Eutrochium maculatum, Spotted Joe Pye Weed, Quart pot

Eutrochium maculatum, Spotted Joe Pye Weed

FS, Zone 3, blooms July - August, wet to medium wet, rich moist soil, 5’ x 3-4’, deer resistant.

Formerly classified as Eupatorium. In its favored conditions, this plant can reach 6’ and will spread. It grows on straight, strong stems and rarely needs to be staked, in spite of its height. it does best in full sun or at least 5 hours. The flower heads take a long time to open, which prolongs the show. Boneset, which is closely related, is more tolerant of shade and dry conditions.

During 2023, when we had an abundance of moisture the plants looked fantastic all the way through. The blooms also lasted longer.

The many tiny disc florals offer large amounts of nectar. Pollen is collected by bumble bees and long-horned bees. Rusty Patched Bumble Bees, who are currently on the Xerces threatened species list, are attracted to Joe Pye, so please try to grow some in your garden! We can attest that it is a magnet for many kinds of butterflies. It is a larval host plant for moths.