Joe Pye Weed

Tall architectural clump-forming North American native wildflowers feature big soft terminal clusters of mini pink florets on strong stems from midsummer to early fall. Whorls of lance-shaped serrated leaves look good all summer. Chickadees like to pick at the tawny dried seed heads in winter. Flowers can be used for dyeing.

Choose a planting site where Eutrochium can naturalize at the back of a border, or along the edge of a wood. We’ve let ours spread into a tall perennial hedge right along the front of the house where it mingles in full sun with globe thistle and goldenrod. The deer don’t seem interested, but pollinators abound!

Native to eastern North America, found along the edges of moving water, in damp meadows, and in moist roadside ditches. Readily spreads from seed and underground rhizomes, so plant it thoughtfully if you are working in a small space. All three species we’re offering do well in moist soil and full sun. They can handle part to full shade, although they might need support.