Eutrochium fistulosum (Trumpet Weed)

The tallest and most dramatic of the native Joe-Pye weeds, trumpet weed serves as larval host to more than 15 species of caterpillars, making it a genuine wildlife workhorse as well as an architectural centerpiece for the back of a wet meadow planting.

Species Overview

Eutrochium fistulosum, or Hollow-Stem Joe-Pye Weed, is a towering perennial native to wetlands, meadows, and streambanks of eastern North America. Reaching heights of up to 8 feet, it features hollow stems and large, highly fragrant clusters of mauve-pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, attracting a wide range of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Application

• Wetland restoration and streambank plantings - tolerates occasional flooding
• Back-of-border and architectural accent plantings in wet meadows
• Pollinator habitat plantings - exceptional larval host value
• Naturalized plantings along roadside ditches and wet fields

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist to wet, rich soils; tolerates occasional flooding, also grows in gravelly or sandy soils with sufficient moisture
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft. (occasionally to 10-12 ft.)
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Pink, Purple; July-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland)
• Native Range: Southern Maine, New York, southern Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri, south to central peninsular Florida and eastern Texas
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.) (fibrous root system, genus-wide)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Flood Tolerance: High - A wetland-associated Joe-Pye weed, consistent with the genus' well-documented preference for marshes, wet meadows, and seepage areas.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Upright
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Tall stems are likely to need support in part-shade locations - cut plants back to the ground in late winter.