Edge/ Hyssop-Leaved Thoroughwort

COMMON NAME: Hyssop-Leaved Thoroughwort

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Hyssop-Leaved Boneset, Justice Weed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eupatorium hyssopifolium

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 3 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Late July to October

FRUITING TIME: September to October

DISTRIBUTION: Massachusetts to Florida ~ Throughout the Coastal Plain and north to Hunterdon County in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stem solitary from a short crown ~ Leaves mostly opposite, narrow (6-40 times as long as wide), slightly hairy ~ Flower rounded, white, on small spikes.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This large family (Asteraceae), commonly called the Aster Family, consists of 1,314 genera and 21,000 species of herbs, shrubs, climbers and a few trees is found chiefly in temperate and subtropical regions.  The plants are of value to man as ornamentals; a few are insecticides and fish poisons. The genus Eupatorium means “of Eupator” and refers to Mithridates Eupator, king of Parthia, 120-63 B.C..  He was one of Rome’s most formidable opponents, and he was supposed to have discovered the medicinal virtues of the Eupatoriums.  The species hyssopifolium refers to the shape of the leaves of Hyssop-Leaved  Thoroughwort. The name “Hyssop” comes from Old English hysope and Old French ysope, both from Latin hyssopus, and from Greek hussopos. Plants in this genus, Eupatorium, have medicinal uses.  The common name “Thoroughwort” refers to the “thoroughness” with which this herb cures medical problems.  “Wort” is the old name for herb.  In an index of plants with medicinal uses published in 1958, Hyssop-Leaved Thoroughwort was noted as “The entire plant is antivenomous and may be used as a remedy for bites of reptiles and insects by brushing and applying to the wound”.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.