Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Joe-Pye Weed is best grown in full sun to partial shade, with well draining soil that is relatively rich in organic matter. It can grow in almost any soil condition. 

Growth Habit/Description:

Grows 2-7 feet tall or higher depending on soil moisture, narrow, lance-shaped leaves, up to 10 in. long. The huge, domed flower head is composed of several branches bearing tiny pinkish-lavender florets

Bloom Season:

Tiny flowers bloom a pink/purple color in a cloud like shape. Blooms during  July, August, and September. 

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No.   However, in the winter Joe Pye Weed drops seed capsules from dead flower heads for animals to eat throughout the winter. 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Host plant for 35+ species of butteflies and moths, including Swallowtail (Papilionidae), Silver-spotted skippers (Epargyreus), and Eastern tailed-blue (Cupido comyntas).  

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.  Nectar-rich flowers provide food to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The roots of this plant are a natural soil stabilizer, it also provides cover for pollinators as it is a large plant. 

Origin of Name:  According to legend, Joe Pye was a native American who used plants to cure illnesses like typhoid fever. 

Related Plant Species:   Joe Pye Weed looks like the boneset, the difference between the two species is that bonsets have hairy stems while the Joe Pye Weed has a smooth hairless stem. 

Use For Food/Medicine:

An infusion has been used in the treatment of dysentery and also as a gargle for sore throats. Its use is contraindicated if inflammation is present.

eutrochium fistulosum (Barratt) E.E. Lamont  - Ladybird wildflower center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EUFI14   (accessed September 15th 2024)

Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed - USDA Plants Database: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_eufi2.pd   (accessed September 15th 2024)

Joe Pye Weed's Gift to the Garden and Beyond: https://greg.app/joe-pye-weed-benefits/#:~:text=Joe%20Pye%20Weed%20transforms%20gardens,and%20expansion%20of%20local%20flora. (accessed September 15th 2024)

Joe Pye Weed ‘Little Joe’ | Plant Profile: https://sylvangardenslandscape.com/plant-profile/joe-pye-weed-little-joe-plant-profile/#:~:text=The%20tiny%20pink%20or%20purple,that%20persist%20well%20into%20winter. (accessed September 15th 2024) 

Last edited by Jeremiah Chen, September 15th 2024