Description

Clumping perennial that adds architectural interest to the garden. Sturdy, unbranched, green stems. Leaves are whorled around stems. Large, domed clusters of lavender-pink flowers act as pollinator magnets. Prefers soils which do not dry out. Attracts birds, butterflies, beneficial insects. Special value to native bees.

E. fistulosum differs from the other Joe Pyes in that it has dome-shaped flower clusters that are not noticeably fragrant and stems that are hollow and usually just green. E. purpureum has fragrant dome shaped flower clusters and solid stems that are mostly green except for purple blotches at the nodes. E. maculatum has flat topped flower clusters and stems that are either purple spotted or solid purple.

Height: 4-7 ft.
Spread: 2-4 ft.
Family: Asteraceae
Bloom time: July to September
Sun: full sun to part shade
Water: medium wet
Deer and rabbit resistant

photo credit: Fritz Flohr Renolds