Eupatorium hyssopifolium- Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort

General Information: This underutilized, spreading perennial features delicate flowers that appear in a vase-like formation. White blossoming branches and abundant flowers appear on flat-topped corymbs. The narrow grey-green leaves are grasslike in texture, similar to hyssop; leaves appear in whorls of 4 around the stem. Reaching 1-3′ tall and spreading 1-2′, it has a clumping habit. An alternate name for the species is Hyssopleaf Boneset. The species name directly translates to hyssop-leaved. Flowers appear in clusters of small, tubular disc flowers, lacking any ray florets. This low-maintenance perennial is a champion of dry areas and is appealing to birds in winter. A “magnet for pollinators”, this plant proves to be low-maintenance, adaptable, useful, and beautiful. 

Cultivation Details: Blooming in late summer to early fall (Aug-Oct), hyssop-leaved thoroughwort serves as a potent late-season pollinator. After several weeks of attractive buds, an abundant floral display begins in early September. This perennial will spread, if allowed, and therefore works well to naturalize or fill in an area. It makes a nice addition to a meadow, cottage garden, rain garden, or native plant garden or border. If you prefer plants not to self-seed, deadhead spent flowers. However, leaving the seedhead on over the winter will provide food for birds. Eupatorium hyssopifolium spreads by rhizomes and self-seeds; it tolerates salt, black walnuts, is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and works well in urban conditions. A host plant for the Clymene moth, it also attracts skippers, various moths and butterflies, and native bees, among other pollinators. It pairs nicely with native grasses. Makes a good cut flower. Useful for erosion control as well. Historically, this plant has medicinal uses, including as an antidote to poisonous or venomous bites.

Growing Requirements: Grows in full sun and partial shade, preferring sandy, drier soils. Grows in average soil as long as the soil is well-drained.