Also commonly known as trumpetweed.

 

Both Joe-Pye weed and boneset species were formerly classified as belonging to the genus, Eupatorium (thoroughwort); however, Joe-Pye weed species have now been re-assigned to the genus, Eutrochium (Joe-Pye weed, trumpetweed). Although the current plant profile will not include a detailed description of boneset species (Eupatorium), they are also excellent pollinator plants. Common boneset, which attracts many species of native bees and butterflies, is lower-growing than Joe-Pye weed and is native to the eastern and midwest United States and eastern Canada.

 

Joe-Pye weed species are often thought of as butterfly plants but their significant nectar attracts many native bees as well, including numerous species of bumble bees.

 

Native Regions

Nationwide, the United States and Canada, except the Pacific Northwest, California and Nevada

 

Availability

Routinely available

 

Duration

Perennial

 

Bloom Time

Summer

 

Average Height

5 feet

 

Flower Color

Red

Pink 

White

 

Exposure

Full sun

 

Water Requirements

Average to wet.

 

Recommended Species

Eutrochium maculatum (spotted Joe-Pye weed) is the most widely distributed species, found throughout most parts of Canada and the U.S., except the West Coast and southeast United States. Clusters of pinkish-purple, fuzzy flower heads bloom atop 3-7 foot stems, July to September, attracting scores of native bees and butterflies. This commercially available, native perennial occurs naturally in swamps, marshes and stream banks, as it requires moist soil.

 

Eutrochium purpureum (sweetscented Joe-Pye weed) is native to the eastern United States and Ontario and is slightly smaller than spotted Joe-Pye weed, growing from 2 to 6 feet. This commercially available species produces pale pink flowers July through September, attracting many species of native bees and butterflies to its prodigious nectar.