I know you've seen this weed growing everywhere.  Each one stands about 5-6 feet tall, and en masse they are very noticeable.  You can see them all along the roadways.  

 

It is Boneset,  Eupatorium serotinum, and is closely related to Joe-Pye weed.  You can kinda see the family resemblance in the way the flowers are situated in clusters on top of the stems.  

 

It especially loves newly cleared lots.  Then it just takes over!!!  Go over to Stonebriar just before you get to Crabapple Lane, and you can see that lot is full of it.  The birds and bees and butterflies love it.  They are having a field day.

 

My go-to reference book, Magic and Medicine of Plants says:  Boneset was used by North American Indians and early settlers to cause profuse perspiration, and reduce fevers.  It was also used as a diuretic.  For nearly a century the plant was included in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, and it was listed in the National Formulary from 1926-1950--standard references for pharmacists.  

 

It also says:  Pharmacologists have no experimental evidence to corroborate that the plant is therapeutic either as an antipyretic (a fever-reducing agent) or as a diaphoretic (to cause perspiration and hence break a fever.)  

 

I would never use it to treat any illness, but i do think it's fascinating to learn how previous generations used plants in their daily lives.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!