Characteristics:

Crowned with dense flat clustered corymbs of white florets, these wispy perennials have a fine texture, and sparse, gray green foliage. Their corymbs range from 4 to 10 inches across and sit atop 1 to 2 foot stems, clad with whorled leaves that are 4 inches long, and half an inch wide. Their wispy nature gives a grassy meadow a cloudy splash of white in late summer to early fall. They are indigenous to grasslands, open woods, and salt meadows. They prefer dry and sandy soils. 

Culture:

Eupatorium hyssopifolium, while underused, is a hero of dry grassy landscapes. Often paired with native grasses, these perennials are a foolproof addition to butterfly gardens, rain gardens, low-maintenance perennial borders, deer resistant borders, water-wise landscapes, and can be used as cut flowers, and erosion control. 

Medicinal Uses:

Eupatorium hyssopifolium contains elenalin, tenulin which are considered sesquiterpene immunostimulants. Historically, this plant has been used as an antidote to poisonous and venomous bites. 

Eupatorium hyssopifolium

Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort

Type: Herbaceous Perennial

Family: Asteraceae

Height: 2 -3 feet

Spread: 1-2 feet

Bloom: White, August to October

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water: Dry to medium, needs good drainage

Attracts: butterflies, other pollinators including skippers, moths, and native bees

Tolerates: Black Walnut

Plant Communities