Eutrochium maculatum (Spotted Joe-Pye Weed)

The most moisture-loving and widest-ranging of the Joe-Pye weeds - the only one to reach west of the Great Plains - spotted Joe-Pye weed is the default choice for the wettest zones of a rain garden or streambank restoration where standing water is common.

Species Overview

Eutrochium maculatum is a tall, perennial wildflower reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet. Native to wetlands and moist meadows in North America, it is distinguished by its showy, pinkish-purple flower clusters that bloom in mid to late summer, along with its sturdy, spotted stems and whorled leaves. This species is the only Joe-Pye weed to grow west of the Great Plains.

Application

• Rain garden plantings, particularly the wettest zones
• Streambank and wetland restoration
• Pollinator habitat plantings
• Wet meadow and pond-margin naturalized plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wet, moist soils; the most consistently moisture-loving species in the genus
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Pink, Purple; August-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland) - Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region; see flags on regional variance
• Native Range: Widespread across North America; the only Joe-Pye weed species to grow west of the Great Plains
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.) (fibrous root system)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid ("give it plenty of room and it will spread to form impressive stands")
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged) (resistant to both rabbit and deer browsing)
• Flood Tolerance: High - Thrives in marshes, rich fens, and swamps, and does well in man-made moist expanses such as ditches and seepage areas; valued for detention/retention basin plantings specifically for its ability to survive temporary flooding.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Upright
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies, supports moths