Eupatorium maculatum: Spotted Joe Pye Weed

Latin name: Eupatorium maculatum
Common name: Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
Flowers: Flat-topped clusters with 9-15 flowers^{3, 13}
Fruit: Inconspicuous¹⁰
Height & Width: 5-7’ x 4’³
Type: Herbaceous perennial¹⁰
Habit: Upright¹⁰
Wetland indicator category**: FACW¹⁷
Texture: Medium¹⁸
Growth rate: Medium¹⁸
Light: Sun to part shade¹⁰
Moisture: Wet to moist^{10, 13}
Soil*: Loamy and calcareous soils^{10, 13}
Zones: 4 - 8³
Origin: Eastern North America¹⁶
Features: Eupatorium maculatum is a tall herbaceous perennial that performs well in moist or wet landscapes¹⁰. The stems are usually spotted or solid purple and lined with whorls of narrow leaves¹³. Clusters of mauve flower heads attract a number of beneficial pollinators in the late summer to autumn months^{3, 10}.

Siting: Spotted Joe-Pye Weed performs best in moist to wet soils with sun to part sun conditions³.

Care: Plant crown at soil level¹⁸. At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Apply 3” of mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems¹⁸.

Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.

Author: Allison Kelly

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