Spotted Joe Pye Weed

(Eutrochium maculatum)

Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Eutrochium maculatum, commonly known as Spotted Joe Pye Weed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, riverbanks, and damp woodlands in Eastern North America. It can reach heights of up to 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) and is characterized by its sturdy, sometimes completely purple stems or green stems with purple spots. From late summer to early fall, it produces numerous showy, rose-purple flower heads, each consisting of 8-22 disc flowers but lacking ray flowers. The name ’maculatum’ refers to the distinctive purple spots on the stem. The plant is a favorite among pollinators, attracting butterflies and honeybees with its flowers.

Spotted Joe Pye Weed is valued for its tall stature, striking flower color, and ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, rain gardens, and as a border plant in garden settings. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in dry conditions. It is not known to have aggressive roots or other significant problems. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread readily by seed, potentially becoming assertive in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 4-7 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, riverbanks, and damp woodlands in Eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Spotted Joe-Pyeweed, Eupatoire Maculée, Eupatoire Pourpre, Fläckflockel, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed

Scientific Names: , Eupatorium maculatum, Eutrochium maculatum, Eupatorium purpureum subsp. maculatum, Eupatorium purpureum var. maculatum, Eupatoriadelphus maculatus, Eupatorium maculatum var. maculatum, Eupatorium maculatum f. faxonii, Eupatorium maculatum var. urticifolium, Eutrochium maculatum f. faxonii

GBIF Accepted Name: Eutrochium maculatum (L.) E.E.Lamont