Common Name:
Joe Pye Weed

Scientific Name:
Eupatorium purpureum

Plant Description:

This species of Joe Pye weed is a tall Missouri native perennial which occurs in low moist ground, wooded slopes, wet meadows and thickets and stream margins throughout the State. It is an erect, clump-forming perennial which typically grows 4-7' tall and features coarsely-serrated, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 12" long) in whorls of 3-4 on sturdy green stems with purplish leaf nodes. Tiny, vanilla-scented, dull pinkish-purple flowers in large, terminal, domed, compound inflorescenses (12-18" diameter) bloom in mid-summer to early fall. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies. Flowers give way to attractive seed heads which persist well into winter.

Plant Profile & Needs:

Zone: 4 to 9
Habit: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Range: Eastern United States
Height: 5 to 7 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Color: Mauve pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium moisture
Maintenance: Low

Planting Notes:

Many people perceive Joe Pye weed to be nothing more than a roadside weed and have never seriously considered its outstanding ornamental attributes. It is a substantial plant which needs space, but when planted in groups or massed can provide spectacular flowering and architectural height. Border rears, cottage gardens, meadows, native plant gardens, wild/naturalized areas or water margins.

Care:

Easily grown in average, medium wet to wet soils in full sun. Prefers moist, fertile, humusy soils which do not dry out. Cut plants to the ground in late winter.