Search Level: Standard
Search Term(s): Eupatorium perfoliatum   (1 record found)

ASTERACEAE
Aster Family
Eupatorium perfoliatum  (perfoliate eupatorium)   
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Synonym
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Carex Section
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Meaning of Scientific Name
Eupatorium: named for Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus who is said to have discovered an antidote to a commonly used poison in one of the species; perfoliatum: Latin for through the leaf
Native Plant
Yes
Life Form
Perennial Herb
Phenology (Flowering Period)
August-September
Physiographic Province
☑ Piedmont
☑ Coastal Plain

County Distribution
☑ New Castle
☑ Kent
☑ Sussex

Habitat
Swales, wet meadows, marshes
State Status
Common
Piedmont Status
Common
Coastal Plain Status
Common
Global Rank
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Federal Status
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Geographic Affinity
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Species at Limit of Distribution
☐ Northern
☐ Southern

North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)
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Coefficient of Conservatism
6
Invasive
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Invasive Watchlist
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Global Origin (Non-native Species)
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Wildlife Values
Nectar and pollen attract many insects; caterpillars of several Moths feed on plant parts.
Medicinal Properties
Parts used: Leaf and Flower. Used internally as tea or tincture for colds and flu with chills, muscle pain, achy and hot bones, chicken pox, measles, dengue fever, and sluggish bowels. Topically, was used by native people as a poultice or bath for arthritis pain, healing fractures, and treating snakebites. Cautions: Emetic in large doses. Not for use in pregnancy. May contain small amounts of hepatotoxic Pyrrolizine alkaloids.
ID Notes
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Additional Info
The hybrid Eupatorium ?truncatum - with the purported parents being E. perfoliatum and E. serotinum - has been collected in Delaware (Kent Co., 1986, A.Tucker 313, DOV).
Habitats in which this plant occurs
Freshwater Herbaceous Tidal Wetlands
Seepage Slope Open Canopy Non-tidal Wetland (Piedmont)
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