Description
Eutrochium purpureum, commonly called Sweet Joe Pye Weed or Green Stemmed Pye Weed, is a tall Missouri native perennial that occurs in low moist ground, wooded slopes, wet meadows and thickets and stream margins throughout the State. It is the most common of the Joe Pye weeds in Missouri.
Wildlife notes
The flower nectar attracts bees, butterflies, skippers, and moths. Some bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of various moths feed on leaves and other parts of Joe-Pye Weed species.
Forage notes
No information currently available. Please let us know if you have any personal experience with this plant.
Landscaping notes
Easily grown in average, medium moisture soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile, humusy soils which do not dry out. Tolerant of clay soils. Cut plants to the ground in late winter. This species generally grows better in open woodland areas than Spotted Joe Pye Weed, which generally likes moister soils. When planted in groups or massed can provide spectacular flowering and architectural height. Border rears, cottage gardens, meadows, native plant gardens, wild/naturalized areas or water margins.
Restoration notes
Habitats include open woodlands, savannas, woodland borders, thickets, partially shaded seeps, and partially shaded riverbanks. This plant can survive in wooded areas that are somewhat degraded. However, populations have a tendency to decline when the shade of overhead canopy trees becomes too dense.