Joe Pye weed Eutrochium purpureum
Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Eastern and central North America. It grows 1.2–2.2 m (3.9–7.2 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
Plan Joe Pye weed in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Joe Pye weed at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2.2 m (3.9–7.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and central North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Joe Pye weed toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: all parts
Eupatorium-type plants can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids; Eutrochium purpureum is not documented as a significant garden poisoning risk.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Joe Pye weed
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Joe Pye weed in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Longwood Gardens (6 plants)
- New York Botanical Garden (4 plants)
Questions about Joe Pye weed
- How far apart should I plant Joe Pye weed?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Joe Pye weed need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Joe Pye weed need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Joe Pye weed?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Joe Pye weed flower?
- From about July for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Joe Pye weed poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Eupatorium-type plants can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids; Eutrochium purpureum is not documented as a significant garden poisoning risk.
- What grows well with Joe Pye weed?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Joe Pye weed. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs moist soil; taller than most border perennials and a strong butterfly plant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus