Joe Pye Weed: A Pollinator-Friendly Native Perennial

Third question: Given “weed” is in its name, does this plant look or act weedy? In North America, where this plant is native, Joe Pye weed is not considered invasive, but when planted outside of its native region, this plant can spread by underground roots and by seed. To avoid aggressive reseeding, trim off the spent flowers before seed production. To control its bullish root behavior, give it room to spread and dig up unwanted clumps.

Five different species exist and the main difference among them is their height. All start blooming in late summer and continue through the fall, and all have large flower clusters ranging from pinky to lavender or purple hues.

Sweet Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) grows to six feet tall and has greenish stems and small mauve flowers.

Hollow Joe Pye (Eutrochium fistulosum) is the tallest, towering to 10 feet, and has more muted pink flowers and prolific seed heads that attract birds.

Spotted Joe Pye (Eutrochium maculatum) is usually grows to about six feet tall, and has purple speckled stems–hence the common name.

Coastal Joe Pye (Eutrochium dubium) is the shortest at about five feet with purple stems and darker purple flowers.

Steele’s Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium steelei) grows to six feet, has purply-greenish stems and purple flowers.

Cheat Sheet

• Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths and other beneficial insects adore this plant but deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone.
• Birds appreciate the tasty seeds.
• Looks at home in a rain garden, meadow, pollinator, or cottage garden. And taller types look great at the back of a flower bed or along a rustic fence.
• Pair this plant with sunflowers, ornamental grasses, Helenium and Monarda.

Keep It Alive