Description

Clumping perennial that adds architectural interest to the garden. Sturdy, unbranched stems are purple or purple-spotted, stout and round, often covered with fine white hairs. 4-5 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. Joe Pye weeds were reclassified from Eupatorium to Eutrochium. Members of Eutrochium have whorled leaves and Eupatoriums have opposite leaves. Difference in Joe-Pye weeds: E. maculatum has flat topped flower clusters and stems that are either purple spotted or solid purple. E. fistulosum 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. Height: 4-7 ft. Spread: 3-4 ft. Family: Asteraceae Bloom time: July to September Sun: full sun Water: medium to wet Rain garden Deer and rabbit resistant photo credit: Kor!An