What's eating my boneset?

Boneset, a native North American wetland herb, is relatively pest-resistant but attractive to aphids and caterpillars of several native moths and butterflies. Sawfly larvae occasionally feed on foliage. Deer sometimes browse it in rural settings. Because it supports specialist pollinators, avoid broad-spectrum pesticides — targeted organic controls only.

Sticky honeydew on leaf surfaces, distorted new growth, and small colonies visible on stems in summer Spray with insecticidal soap; attract parasitic wasps by leaving some flowering weeds nearby; strong water blast

Leaf tissue eaten leaving holes or skeletonised patches; caterpillars visible on foliage in late summer Hand-pick and relocate; Bt spray for heavy infestations; accept moderate feeding as part of native wildlife habitat value

Stems and foliage browsed to varying heights; clean or ragged bites depending on deer species Deer fencing; scent-based repellents; plant in dense naturalistic drifts where peripheral plants absorb most browsing pressure