Eutrochium purpureum (Purple Joe-Pye Weed)

The most shade- and drought-tolerant of the Joe-Pye weeds, purple Joe-Pye weed is the right choice for woodland-edge and upland restoration sites where the wetter-loving species in this genus won't thrive - and it's a confirmed deer-resistant selection.

Species Overview

Purple Joe-Pye weed is a tall, clump-forming perennial that grows 4 to 7 feet high, with large clusters of pinkish-purple flowers blooming from midsummer to early fall. Unlike its close relatives, this species tends to favor drier, more upland woodland sites - generally growing better in open woodland areas than the more moisture-dependent Spotted Joe-Pye Weed.

Application

• Woodland-edge and upland restoration - more drought-tolerant than other Joe-Pye weeds
• Riparian zones, rain gardens, and wet meadows
• Deer-pressured sites
• Pollinator habitat plantings, particularly in partial to full shade

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, well-drained to occasionally wet soils; intolerant of dry soils but more upland-tolerant than related species
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Pink, Purple; July-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
• Native Range: Southern New Hampshire to Pennsylvania and mountains to Georgia, west to western Minnesota, southeastern Nebraska, and Oklahoma
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Documented as the most shade- and drought-tolerant of the Joe-Pye weeds, suggesting a somewhat wider moisture tolerance than its more strictly wetland-obligate relatives, though still a moist-site species overall.
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant - the most shade and drought tolerant Joe-Pye weed
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.) - shallow fibrous root
• Growth Habit: Upright
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Best propagated by division in fall as the plant goes dormant, or by stem cuttings; will flop in inadequate sunlight.