Eutrochium dubium - Coastal Plain Joe Pye Weed

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 4-8, 24-60" x 24-36", full sun to part sun, mauve-pink flower clusters appear atop the sturdy stems in mid summer and hold well into fall and winter, needs consistent moisture and likes fertile, humusy, sandy or gravelly soils, however, also clay tolerant.

Common names: Coastal Plain Joe Pye Weed, Three-nerved Joe Pye Weed, Joe Pye Thoroughwort

Family: Asteraceae

Origin/Distribution: These plants were grown from seed collected in New England. E. dubium is native from Maine down to South Carolina.

Habitat: found on coastal plains and wetlands

More: The flowers are very attractive to pollinators. This Joe Pye is somewhat shorter than E. maculatum, but can also be cut back at the end of June by about 25% or so. This will result in a shorter, more compact plant with slightly delayed bloom. Salt and deer tolerant. May self-sow if happy and songbirds enjoy the seed in the fall. Potential cut flower. Looks good standing for winter.

Even more: The hollow stems of numerous plants are a boon for over-wintering insects who shelter and/or lay their eggs in them. Instead of cutting old stems to the ground, consider leaving them at about knee height to serve this important purpose. Because of the life cycles of various insects, you want to leave them permanently intact. Don't cut them back in the spring, but have confidence that the flush of strong new growth from the plant will quickly over-take and conceal this lower framework, which then can continue to offer the opportunity for shelter and an insect nursery!

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery