Chinese Joe-Pye Weed

(Eupatorium chinense)

Chinese Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium chinense)

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Summary

Eupatorium chinense, commonly known as Chinese Joe-Pye Weed, is a perennial herb that is native to East Asia, particularly found in open woodlands and along forest edges. It typically grows to a height of 1.5-2 meters with a similar spread. The plant features clusters of small, fluffy, pink or purplish flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, adding to the ecological value of the plant. Its stems are often purple-spotted, adding to the visual interest.

Chinese Joe-Pye Weed is appreciated for its tall, stately form and its ability to attract wildlife. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as a border specimen, and in pollinator gardens. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires moist, fertile soil with good drainage. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, which should be monitored to prevent unwanted spread. Eupatorium chinense should be handled with care due to its content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2.25-3.25 feet
  • Width: 2.5-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and along forest edges in East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Chinese Boneset, Chinese thoroughwort

Scientific Names: , Eupatorium chinense, Eupatorium album, Eupatorium chinense subsp. chinense, Eupatorium chinense subsp. reevesii, Eupatorium chinense subsp. yuliense, Eupatorium chinense var. oppositifolium, Eupatorium clematideum, Eupatorium clematideum var. clematideum, Eupatorium crenatifolium

GBIF Accepted Name: