Spotted Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium maculatum
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © lpbateman (iNaturalist #31911793)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Eutrochium
- Species:
- Eutrochium maculatum
- USDA Symbol:
- EUMA9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 210 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers wet meadows and marshy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; surface sow on moist medium and keep at 20-25°C after stratification.
Pre-treatment: Mix the seeds with an equal amount of either perlite or vermiculite. Put mixture into a Ziploc-style bag or Rubbermaid-style container. Seal and store 1 month in a cool dry place (refrigerator or cold garage). Cold store until planted (up to 3 years).
Establishment: The plant blooms from July to September. The seed is an achene with pappus and is harvested in October. The seed is very small and cutting off the entire plant head saves time in collection. The plant prefers moist or wet low ground, thickets and open woods. It flowers most and seeds ripen best in full sunlight. It can reach a height of up to 5'. It has light purple flowers in terminal clusters.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)