Eutrochium fistulosum, tall Joe-pye weed
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Perennials

Eutrochium fistulosum

tall Joe-pye weed

AsteraceaeEastern United States and Canada

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height5-9 feet (1.5-2.7 m)
Width3-4 feet (90-120 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Fragrant (light)
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

A tall, clump-forming native perennial in the family Asteraceae, native to moist meadows, stream banks, and woodland edges of eastern North America. Plants grow from a stout crown producing hollow, purple-spotted stems 5–9 feet (1.5–2.7 m) tall. Leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, arranged in whorls of 4–7 at each node, medium green and slightly rough-textured. In late summer, stem tips produce large, domed, flat-topped clusters 8–18 inches (20–45 cm) across of small, fuzzy, mauve-pink to pale rose-purple flower heads. Individual flower heads are tiny but massed in the hundreds per cluster, creating a soft, hazy effect. The flower clusters are among the most important late-summer nectar sources for migratory monarchs, swallowtails, and other pollinators. Distinguished from other Joe-pye weeds by its hollow (fistulous) stems and whorls of typically 6–7 leaves. Seed heads dry attractively and persist into winter.

Native Range

Native to the eastern United States and Canada, from Maine south to Florida and west to Nebraska and Texas, growing in moist to wet meadows, floodplain forests, stream banks, and disturbed moist ground, typically at low to moderate elevations. Most common in the coastal plain and piedmont of the southeastern US.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rain gardens, native plantings, pond margins, and large perennial borders at 36–48 inch (90–120 cm) spacing. An essential plant for late-summer butterfly gardens — monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries are drawn in large numbers. Combines effectively with ornamental grasses, rudbeckias, and other late-season natives. The seed heads provide winter bird food and structure.

How to Identify

Identified by very tall hollow stems 5–9 feet (1.5–2.7 m) with purple spotting or mottling, leaves in whorls of 4–7 at each node, and large flat-topped to domed clusters of tiny mauve-pink to pale purple flower heads in late summer. The hollow stem (revealed by bending) and large leaf whorls together distinguish it from related species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 9'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
purple
mauve

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms August through September in zones 4–9. Peak bloom typically occurs in mid-August. The large flower clusters remain attractive for 4–6 weeks. After bloom, fluffy white seed heads develop and persist into fall and winter. In zones 8–9, bloom may begin in late July.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

mauve-pink to pale rose-purple

Foliage Description

medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist to average, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Prefers consistently moist conditions; established plants tolerate brief dry periods but decline in extended drought. Cut stems back by one-half in late May to early June (Chelsea chop) to produce a more compact plant 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall that does not require staking — this is strongly recommended for garden use, as unpinched plants at full height require staking in most garden settings. Divide every 3–5 years in early spring to manage the expanding clump.

Pruning

Cut back by half in late May to early June to control height and eliminate staking needs. Leave seed heads standing through winter for bird interest and structural effect. Cut all stems to ground level in early spring before new growth emerges. Divide in early spring every 3–5 years by lifting and separating the crown with a sharp spade.

Pruning Schedule

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late springearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic