beneficial insects – Wild Things in the Garden

Rising high above the foliage, Yellow Giant Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides) extends its green and yellow spires. This Hyssop’s habit draws attention and offers a vertical accent to the garden. A. nepetoides supplies nectar and pollen to late season pollinators and beneficial insects.

Not as commonly used as Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), this Agastache grows from 4 to 7 feet and spreads from 1 to 3 feet. It thrives in zones 2 to 8. Yellow Giant Hyssop enjoys fertile, loamy soil and moist to medium conditions. Light shade to full sun is best.^2,

It endures summer’s heat and humidity. But, in dry, sunny areas, some leaves will wilt with drought conditions. Deer and other animal grazers avoid the bitter foliage. A. nepetoides has both fibrous and rhizomatous roots and can form clonal colonies from the rhizomes. In ideal conditions, this Hyssop reseeds generously.²

In natural areas, A. nepetoides grows in meadows in wooded areas, deciduous woodlands, lowland woods, moist, open woodlands, woodland borders and openings, thickets, powerline clearances in wooded areas, open thickets, weedy or early succession areas, roadsides, railroads, limestone-derived soils, fencerows, on rich soils, on calcareous bedrock, talus and rocky slopes and rocky banks. For this plant, disturbance is helpful as long as it reduces shade.^3,12,13

A striking plant, Yellow Giant Hyssop forms straight, upright stems. It has few branches except in older plants. They sprout flower stems from mid to upper leaf axils. In Michigan, these erect plants last through the winter weather adding interest in the landscape.¹²

The stems themselves are light green and smooth. Like other mints, they have four sides. Each side is angled and forms a wing-shape.¹²

The medium to dark green, hairless foliage on Agastache nepetoides grows in opposite pairs. Edges have large serrations. Young, upper leaves may have some hair. Each leaf can be up to 6” long and 3” wide and resembles the leaves on Catmint/Catnip (Nepeta spp.). The specific epithet “nepetoides” refers to this shape.^2,12

Giant Yellow Hyssop’s green and yellow flowers are the rarest color of summer native flowers. The true blooms are the delicate yellow blossoms about 0.3” long and about 0.25” wide. Only a few open at a time and fade quickly. Most of the color comes from the medium green calyxes. Essentially, the spires read green with small bursts of yellow.¹²

Spikes sit at the top of stems—central and side stems. They can be 4 to 16” long and 0.75 to 1” wide. Blooms have 2 upper, 2 side and 1 lower lobes. The lower lobe is largest. Each flower had 4 stamens and a divided style. They extend beyond the bloom giving a slightly fuzzy effect. Blossoming starts in mid-summer and continues until early fall. It lasts 1 to 2 months.^5,12

Agastache nepetoides is a stunning garden plant but that’s just part of the story. This Hyssop offers nectar and pollen to late season pollinators and beneficial insects. According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, it’s of Special Value to Native Bees, Special Value to Bumblebees and, also, Supports Conservation Biological Controls (beneficial insects). In my garden, these flowers always have some honeybees on them. Various butterflies, moths and skippers sip its nectar.^4,12

Numerous bees gather resources from Yellow Giant Hyssop including Bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Halictid bees, Yellow-Faced Bees (Hylaeus spp.), and Honeybees (Apis spp.). In my garden, many other flowers are blooming with Tall Yellow Hyssop. These plants include Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Sweet Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) and Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata). The small to medium bees tend to visit these blooms. I’ve included photos for reference.^8,12

While the Xerces society doesn’t mention Honeybees, they frequent these flowers in my garden. In the past, Midwestern beekeepers grew Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) as a ‘honey plant’—a major food source for their hives. Other Agastaches are just as attractive to honeybees. The Great Lakes area has a variety of native Agastaches to choose and A. nepetoides is just one.

Bee flies and Syrphid flies also visit Giant Yellow Hyssop.

Giant Yellow Hyssop also host many beneficial insects in its foliage as well as its flowers. In a study by Michigan State University, Insidious flower bug (Orius insidious), a small plant bug (Plagiognathus politus), crab spiders (Thomisidae), dagger flies (Empididae), and tiny, parasitoid wasps (Chalcidoidea), were all moderately attracted to it. This hyssop mildly attracted lady beetles (Coccidnellidae), jumping spiders(Salticidae), damsel bugs (Nabidae), Soldier beetles (Cantharidae), green lacewings (Chrysopidae), ragweed plant bug (Chlamydatus associatus), and predatory thrips (Aeolothripidae).

In addition, the Pale Green Assassin Bug (Zelus luridus) hunts throughout A. nepetoides’ foliage. Of the 5 North American species, Z. luridus is the most common in North America. It’s native to most of North America and most common in the Eastern U.S. This assassin bug’s mostly an ambush predator waiting on leaves for prey.^1.7,9

Occasionally, the Pale Green Assassin Bug hunts actively using a wonderful adaptation. It has a gland on the fore tibiae that secretes a sticky material. The gland develops in the second instar. The first instar uses the sticky secretions that held the eggs in place.^1,7,9

When ready to hunt, Zelus smears the sticky substance on the small hairs on its tibia. Then it sticks them into the flower parts searching for small insects. This material also helps when hunting for flying insects. It coats its forelegs with the material and waves them in the air. When a passing fly, small wasp or other insect hit them, they stick.¹

Then Zelus can use its forelegs to grasp and secure the insect. Once secured, the bug injects digestive juices using it’s beak. The prey’s internal structures turn to liquid and the assassin bug drinks the result.^1,7,9

The Pale Green Assassin Bug is a general predator. Like a spider, it does kill some desirable insects but also many undesirable ones. These pest insects include aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, caterpillars, and flies. A great addition to the garden!^1,7,9

With an approximate 1.5″ wingspan, the Pearl Crescent Butterfly (Phyciodes tharos) is a small but mighty butterfly. Not as large as the Monarch, this butterfly displays intricate black, orange and cream patterning worth a closer look. Where I live in Michigan, we have two very similar species—the Pearl Crescent and the Northern Crescent. I’ve used the Michigan Butterfly Network’s recommended practice of field identification and called this one a Pearl Crescent.^6,10,11

The Pearl Crescent’s active from mid-spring through fall depending on the weather. This butterfly visits a wide range of flowers. It acts as a pollinator for native and cultivated plants.^6,10,11

Asters are the larval host for the Pearl Crescent. There are 2 broods per year and the last group of caterpillars overwinter. Be sure to look for the Pearl Crescent as soon as the temperature warm in the spring!^6,10,11

Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you’ve enjoyed this wander through the unique plant, Giant Yellow Hyssop. Another new find to add variety to your garden!

Happy Gardening,

Mary

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

BugKnow. 2026. “Green Assassin Bug: Identification, Habitat, and Garden Pest Control.” BugKnow, July 24. https://bugknow.com/green-assassin-bug/.
n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. “Agastache nepetoides.” https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281383.
“Agastache Nepetoides (Catnip Giant-Hyssop): Go Botany.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/agastache/nepetoides/.
“Agastache Nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop) | Native Plants of North America.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=agne2.
“Agastache Nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop): Minnesota Wildflowers.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/yellow-giant-hyssop.
Maidl, Rachel. 2020. “How to Identify a Pearl Crescent Butterfly.” Birds and Blooms, September 17. https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/attracting-butterflies/pearl-crescent-butterflies/.
Missouri Department of Conservation. n.d. “Assassin Bugs.” Accessed September 23, 2026. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/assassin-bugs.
“Yellow Giant Hyssop, Agastache nepetoides (L.) Kuntze.” n.d. Native Plant Facts, Native Plants and Ecosystem Services, Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/plant_facts/yellow_giant_hyssop.
“Pale Green Assassin Bug (Zelus Luridus) — Minnesota Seasons.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/pale_green_assassin_bug.html.
“Pearl Crescent.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutbutterflies/family-nymphalidae/wambpearlcrescent.html.
“Pearl Crescent: # 13 of ‘23 Butterflies in 2023.’” 2023. Eliza Howell Nature Walk, March 31. https://elizahowellnaturewalk.com/2023/03/31/pearl-crescent-13-of-23-butterflies-in-2023/.
“Yellow Giant Hyssop (Agastache Nepetoides).” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/yg_hyssop.htm.
“Yellow Giant Hyssop Guide – New York Natural Heritage Program.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://guides.nynhp.org/yellow-giant-hyssop/.

&amp;lt;br>&amp;amp;lt;!–&amp;lt;br>/* Style Definitions */&amp;lt;br> p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-unhide:no;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-qformat:yes;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-parent:””;&amp;lt;br> margin:0in;&amp;lt;br> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;&amp;lt;br> font-size:12.0pt;&amp;lt;br> font-family:”Times New Roman”,serif;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;}&amp;lt;br>a:link, span.MsoHyperlink&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-priority:99;&amp;lt;br> color:blue;&amp;lt;br> text-decoration:underline;&amp;lt;br> text-underline:single;}&amp;lt;br>a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-noshow:yes;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-priority:99;&amp;lt;br> color:#96607D;&amp;lt;br> mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;&amp;lt;br> text-decoration:underline;&amp;lt;br> text-underline:single;}&amp;lt;br>p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-priority:34;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-unhide:no;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-qformat:yes;&amp;lt;br> margin-top:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-right:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-bottom:8.0pt;&amp;lt;br> margin-left:.5in;&amp;lt;br> mso-add-space:auto;&amp;lt;br> line-height:115%;&amp;lt;br> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;&amp;lt;br> font-size:12.0pt;&amp;lt;br> font-family:”Aptos”,sans-serif;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;&amp;lt;br> mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;&amp;lt;br> mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}&amp;lt;br>p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-priority:34;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-unhide:no;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-qformat:yes;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-type:export-only;&amp;lt;br> margin-top:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-right:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-bottom:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-left:.5in;&amp;lt;br> mso-add-space:auto;&amp;lt;br> line-height:115%;&amp;lt;br> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;&amp;lt;br> font-size:12.0pt;&amp;lt;br> font-family:”Aptos”,sans-serif;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;&amp;lt;br> mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;&amp;lt;br> mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}&amp;lt;br>p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-priority:34;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-unhide:no;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-qformat:yes;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-type:export-only;&amp;lt;br> margin-top:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-right:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-bottom:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-left:.5in;&amp;lt;br> mso-add-space:auto;&amp;lt;br> line-height:115%;&amp;lt;br> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;&amp;lt;br> font-size:12.0pt;&amp;lt;br> font-family:”Aptos”,sans-serif;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;&amp;lt;br> mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;&amp;lt;br> mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}&amp;lt;br>p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-priority:34;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-unhide:no;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-qformat:yes;&amp;lt;br> mso-style-type:export-only;&amp;lt;br> margin-top:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-right:0in;&amp;lt;br> margin-bottom:8.0pt;&amp;lt;br> margin-left:.5in;&amp;lt;br> mso-add-space:auto;&amp;lt;br> line-height:115%;&amp;lt;br> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;&amp;lt;br> font-size:12.0pt;&amp;lt;br> font-family:”Aptos”,sans-serif;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;&amp;lt;br> mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;&amp;lt;br> mso-ligatures:standardcontextual;}&amp;lt;br>.MsoChpDefault&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-type:export-only;&amp;lt;br> mso-default-props:yes;&amp;lt;br> font-family:”Aptos”,sans-serif;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-font-family:Aptos;&amp;lt;br> mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;&amp;lt;br> mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}&amp;lt;br>.MsoPapDefault&amp;lt;br> {mso-style-type:export-only;&amp;lt;br> margin-bottom:8.0pt;&amp;lt;br> line-height:115%;}&amp;lt;br>@page WordSection1&amp;lt;br> {size:8.5in 11.0in;&amp;lt;br> margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;&amp;lt;br> mso-header-margin:.5in;&amp;lt;br> mso-footer-margin:.5in;&amp;lt;br> mso-paper-source:0;}&amp;lt;br>div.WordSection1&amp;lt;br> {page:WordSection1;}&amp;lt;br> /* List Definitions */&amp;lt;br> @list l0&amp;lt;br> {mso-list-id:1952667492;&amp;lt;br> mso-list-type:hybrid;&amp;lt;br> mso-list-template-ids:721965094 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level1&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:left;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-.25in;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level2&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:left;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-.25in;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level3&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:right;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-9.0pt;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level4&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:left;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-.25in;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level5&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:left;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-.25in;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level6&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:right;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-9.0pt;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level7&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:left;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-.25in;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level8&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:left;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-.25in;}&amp;lt;br>@list l0:level9&amp;lt;br> {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-tab-stop:none;&amp;lt;br> mso-level-number-position:right;&amp;lt;br> text-indent:-9.0pt;}&amp;lt;br>&amp;lt;br>–>&amp;lt;br>

Fluffy and flexible, Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset or Thoroughwort) thrives in the garden. It adapts to a multitude of growing conditions so it’s able to fill tough spots. Best of all, pollinators and beneficial insects flock to the frothy, white blooms.

Chosen 2003 North Carolina Wildflower of the Year, E. perfoliatum grows in zones 3 through 8. The plants range in height from 2 feet to 6 feet. They spread from 2 feet to 4 feet across.^2,9,10

Boneset prefers sun to part sun, moist to wet soils with organic matter and continuous moisture. But it tolerates shade, periodic flooding, sand and clay soils. I have a beautiful plant growing in the backfill sand next to my house–in complete shade!²

In natural settings, Eupatorium perfoliatum grows from the East Coast almost all the way west to the Rocky Mountains. Its natural habitats include openings in floodplain forests, poorly drained areas of black soil prairies, various wetlands—marshes, bogs, fens, seeps, edges of rivers, edges of ponds, sand flats, thickets, stream banks, wet meadows, wet prairies and ditches. Boneset enjoys disturbed areas. It flourishes on the edges of rain and water gardens.^1,2

E. perfoliatum’s leaves are light green in color and have a rough, wrinkled texture. They’re smooth on top and hairy on the bottom. The foliage grows opposite on the stem.¹

The leaf bases wrap around the stem so it looks like the stem pierces them. They are lance-shaped with toothed edges. They can grow up to 8 inches long and 2 inches across.^1,9

Boneset’s flowerhead crown the plant. Groups of florets combine to form a 2- inch to 8-inch flower. The individual florets are 1/6 inch or 4 mm across. They have about 15-disc floret but no ray florets (or petals).¹

Each disc floret has 5 spreading lobes, a brown column of stamens and a divided style. Other Eupatorium spp. have the same flower structure including Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum,https://wildthingsinthe.garden/2024/10/31/a-fabulous-fuzzy-flower/). Eupatorium perfoliatum blooms from late summer to early fall. The overall bloom time for a clump is 1 to 2 months. The flowers have a pleasant scent.^1,9

Boneset has fibrous roots. Plants usually spread by rhizomes. If happy, they form large colonies. In good conditions, E. perfoliatum self-seeds. My garden has areas that flood regularly when it rains especially in the spring. I’ve had Boneset appear in these areas and in pots.

Eupatorium perfoliatum draws masses of pollinators and beneficial insects. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation designates it of ‘Special Value to Native Bees’ and states it ‘Supports Conservation Biological Control’. Boneset also serves as a larval host for numerous moths.

Multitudes of bees, big and small, visit Boneset. The little bees include Yellow-Faced Bees (Hylaeus spp.), Sweat bees (Lasioglossum spp. and Halictus spp.), Augochlora pura, Green Sweat Bees (Agapostemon spp.), Mining Bees (Andrena spp.), and Bumble Bees ( Bombus spp.).

Eupatorium perfoliatum strongly supports wasps of all kinds. At least 102 different species gather nectar from it. Many of these wasps contribute to the garden as beneficial insects. Some examples are Sand Wasps (Bicyrtes spp.), Paper wasps (Polistes spp.), Bald-Faced Hornets (Dolichovespula spp.), Bee Wolves (Philanthus spp.), Beetle Wasps (Cerceris spp), Potter Wasps (Eumenes spp.), Grass-Carrying Wasps (Isodontia spp.), Thynnid Wasp (Myzinum spp.), Cuckoo Wasp (Hedychrum spp.), and Thread-Waisted Wasps (Eremnophila aureonotata).

While supporting biological controls, Boneset plays host to some unusual flies, beetles and other insects. Flies include Tachinid flies (Gymnoclytia spp., Archytas spp., Trichopoda spp., Juriniopsis adusta), Syrphid Flies (Eristalis spp. and Helophilus spp.), Thick-Headed Flies (Physocephala spp.) and Bee Flies (Villa spp.).

Tachinid flies are beneficial insects in their role as parasitoids. As parasitoids, their larvae feed on, and eventually kill, other insects. These flies lay eggs on leaves or on the insect itself. If an egg hatches outside the host, the maggot eats its way inside. An insect may also eat the egg. Then the larvae hatches inside the prey’s body.⁵

While many tachinid flies look like plump, spiny houseflies, there are some wonderfully strange and fantastic species. Two examples are Juriniopsis adusta and Trichopoda spp.⁵

Juriniopsis adusta (no common name) is a ghostly-looking fly with a red abdomen covered in black bristles. It’s a quick fly that rarely lights for a long time. The larvae eat caterpillars. I chased this one for 2 years before I got the photos I wanted.⁵

Trichopoda spp. or Feather-Legged Flies are bee mimics. They’re a stunning fly with feathery bristles on the hind legs to mimic a pollen basket and jet-black wings with clear edges. The males have bright orange abdomens. The young of Feather-Legged Flies are parasitoids of true bugs including squash bugs, plant bugs, stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs and shield-backed bugs.^3,5

Entomologists at Michigan State University studied insects attracted to Eupatorium perfoliatum. They found that it was 20 times more attractive to beneficial insects than the grass control. Boneset was Highly Attractive for Insidious Flower Bug (Orius insidiousus), Plagiognathus politus- a flower bug, (Chalcidoidea), and soldier beetles (Cantharidae). At the Moderately Attractive level, it drew crab spiders (Thomisidae) and Cynipoidea-a family of parasitoid and gall-forming wasps. Finally, E. perfoliatum was Mildly Attractive for Sphecid wasps, lady beetles (Coccinellidae), Jumping Spiders (Salticidae), Braconidae-a parasitic wasp family and damsel bugs (Nabidae).⁴

Not mentioned in the MSU study, the jagged ambush bug (Phymata spp.) happily lives and breeds on my blooming Boneset. This fierce bug has huge raptor-like front legs. Like its name, the jagged ambush bug hides in flowers and ambushes its prey.^6,7

Using speed and the raptor-like legs, it captures insects up to 10 times its size. Once caught, the ambush bug uses venom to paralyze the prey and liquify the internal organs. Then, it drinks the bodily fluids with a straw-like mouth part.^6.7

The adult ambush bugs hunt from the flowers while the immature bugs (called nymphs) use other parts of the plant. The adults and nymphs eat mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, caterpillars, mealybugs, beetles, scale insects, insect eggs. Adults also eat flies, bees and wasps.^6,7

Eupatorium perfoliatum acts as a larval host for several moth species. Their larvae use different parts of the plant. They include Geometrid Moths (Semiothisa continuata), Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene ), Three-Lined Flower Moth (Schinia trifascia), Blackberry Looper Moth (Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria), Burdock Borer Moth (Papaipema cataphracta ), and Lined Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia lineata).^1,10

Eupatorium perfoliatum is the plant for many places. An adaptable garden plant, it’s happy living in a variety of growing conditions. It adds blooms to the late season garden with its white, fluffy flower heads. Boneset serves as a pollen and nectar source and as a larval host, drawing pollinators and beneficial insects alike!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest blog. I’d love to hear from you with a question or a comment. Hope everyone is enjoying the new garden season!

Happy Gardening,

Mary

Bibliography:

“Common Boneset (Eupatorium Perfoliatum).” Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cm_boneset.htm.
“Eupatorium Perfoliatum – Plant Finder.” Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277187.
Missouri Department of Conservation. “Feather-Legged Flies.” Accessed May 30, 2025. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/feather-legged-flies.
Native Plants and Ecosystem Services. “Common Boneset.” Accessed May 30, 2025. https://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/common_boneset.
Missouri Department of Conservation. “Parasitic Flies (Tachinids).” Accessed May 30, 2025. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/parasitic-flies-tachinids.
“Predatory Bugs : Ambush Bugs | Hortsense | Washington State University.” Accessed May 30, 2025. https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/predatory-bugs-ambush-bugs/.
Galveston County Master Gardeners. “Jagged Ambush Bug,” May 31, 2025. https://txmg.org/galveston/beneficials-in-the-garden-and-landscape/jagged-ambush-bug/.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The Botanic Garden of Texas,” June 1, 2025. https://www.wildflower.org/.
“Eupatorium Perfoliatum (American Boneset, Boneset, Bonset, Feverwort, Thoroughwort) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” Accessed May 30, 2025. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eupatorium-perfoliatum/.
United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Fact Sheet, Common Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum L., USDA-NRCS.