Eutrochium maculatum - Spotted Joe-Pye Weed

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-8, 36-72" x 36-72", full sun, the purply-mauve, large, fluffy bloom is comprised of numerous small flowers, blooms in mid-late summer, likes consistent moisture to considerably wet soils.

Common names: Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Spotted Trumpet Weed, Joe Pyeweed, Joe Pye Weed, Queen of the Meadow (many other plants have this common name, probably depends on whose reign is in the ascendency).

Synonyms: Eupatorium maculatum, Eupatorium purpureum var. maculatum

Family: Asteraceae

Origin/Distribution: According to Go Botany this plant exhibits wide morphological variability and a wide distribution. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center says it is present in 36 states and 10 Canadian provinces. It is native to Maine and these plants were grown from seed collected in New England.

Habitat: low, wet places in fields and meadows, wet margins - as on edges of lakes, rivers, marshes, fens, swamps, etc. and in drainage ditches

More: Spotted Joe-Pye Weed is slow to wake up in the spring. It is a statuesque plant that works well at the back of a border or growing in conjunction with other strong growers like Helenium, New England Aster, and Wild Bergamot. If its height feels oppressive to you, cut it back by a third (or cut part of it back to stagger height) by the end of June. This delays flowering a bit. Its showy flowers bloom for a long time and provide nectar in the late part of the season. It stands well in the winter. It is a larval host for 27 species of caterpillars. Has been used medicinally. Deer and rabbit resistant. Salt tolerant. More info coming soon.

Source: Van Berkum Nursery, grown from seed collected in New England

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery (usually a bit paler than this)