Eupatorium, a herbaceous perennial, is native to eastern North America. The genus Eupatorium belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is considered a roadside weed by many and is named for Mithridates Eupator who lived from 132-163 BC and was purported to have used the plant medicinally. The colonists used it to treat an outbreak of typhus.

In the Virginia Garden, the Eupatorium Rugosum Chocolate grows with ease. It has a brownish to bronze chocolate foliage that grows 12 to 36 inches and presents a striking contrast with the pure white flowers that bloom in October. New leaves and the undersides of leaves are purple in color.

The Eupatorium Rugosum Chocolate is attractive to the butterflies but not touched by deer or rodents.