SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eutrochium maculatum (formerly Eupatorium)

COMMON NAME: Spotted Joe Pye Weed

GARDEN SIZE: 4 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4 to 9

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; average water needs, requiring additional water in drought conditions.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, clump-forming

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; green, narrow, coarse-textured leaves

FLOWERS: Medium pink, fragrant panicles (3–4" diameter) composed of tiny flowers; bloom in August and September

PLANT ORIGIN: Originally found in the Northeast, Midwest, and portions of the West and South, including Tennessee.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Excellent nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Provides seasonal cover for small wildlife and may support seed-eating birds. Host plant for local butterflies and moths.

FERTILIZING: Minimal; grows well in average soils. May give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer if desired.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring to encourage dense regrowth. Leaving stems, leaves, and spent blooms over the winter benefits native pollinators and wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: None known

USES: Rain gardens, pollinator gardens, perennial borders, compact spaces