Joe-Pye-Weed Eutrochium fistulosum

Eutrochium fistulosum, or Hollow Joe Pye weed, is a native perennial typically found in low moist ground, wet meadows, wet thickets, and stream margins. It is an erect and clump-forming plant that usually grows to 4 to 7 feet tall. It is easily grown in average, medium to wet fertile soils in full sun to part shade. If grown in shady locations, the plants may need support when they reach full height. You should cut the plants back to the ground in winter after all blooms are gone; the plant will rebound in the spring.

Hollow Joe Pye weed is similar in appearance to both spotted Joe Pye weed (E. maculatum) and sweet Joe Pye weed (E. purpureum), but is distinguished from them by its larger leaf whorls and hollow stems which usually lack spots. Joe Pye weed can be more than a weed when its attractive pink flowers and dramatic 8 foot height are applied to yard borders, native plant gardens, and wild or naturalized areas.

This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer and the flowers are attractive to pollinators, including small butterflies. Songbirds eat the seeds. Leaves may scorch if soils are allowed to dry out.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.