Eutrochium purpureum (Sweet Joe-Pye Weed)

• Scientific Name: Eutrochium purpureum
• Common Name: Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Medium to high water needs; prefers consistently moist soils
• Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy, sandy, or silty soils; tolerates clay with adequate moisture
• Height: 4-7 feet
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
• Lifespan: Perennial
• Growth Habit: Upright, clumping wildflower

Additional Information: Sweet Joe-Pye Weed is a tall, native perennial known for its large clusters of soft pink to purplish flowers that bloom from mid-summer into early fall. Unlike Hollow Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum), this species has solid stems instead of hollow ones and is generally shorter in height. The blooms are lightly fragrant with a sweet vanilla scent, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its sturdy, upright stems are topped with whorled leaves, and the plant thrives in moist meadows, woodland edges, and along streambanks. This species is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalized landscapes, adding height and structure to the garden. It is deer-resistant and tolerates occasional dry spells but prefers consistently moist soils for optimal growth.