Motherwort Eutrochium purpureum

Joe-Pye Weed is an erect, clump-forming, native, herbaceous perennial of the Aster family that is known for its beautiful and fragrant flowers. Tiny, tubular-shaped, pinkish-to-purple blooms are arranged into a dome that measures up to 12 to 18 inches across. They have a vanilla scent and bloom from summer to early fall. The flowers of this plant attract butterflies and bees and are important for the production of honey. The leaves are lance-shaped and green with serrate margins. They are arranged in whorls of 3 to 4 along erect, green stems. The plant measures 5 to 7 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.

Joe-Pye Weed is native to Southeast Canada and the Central and Eastern United States. This plant is mostly found along roadsides, moist prairies, thickets, woodland borders, shaded riverbanks, or on wooded slopes. 

The genus name, Eutrochium, is derived from two Greek words. Eu means "well." Troche means "wheel-like" and refers to the plants' whorled leaves. The specific epithet, purpureum, means purple and refers to the flower color. The Eutrochium genus has several species that are known as Joe-Pye Weed. The species are very similar and can be easily confused. This particular species is late-blooming and native to eastern and central North America.

The Joe-Pye Weed prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained to occasionally wet soils but is intolerant to dry soils. This plant may be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or division. It is best to divide the plant in the fall as it goes dormant. Stem cuttings may be taken in the late spring. Sow the seeds in the fall because they require 3 months of cold and moist stratification; however, actual germination is very low. The plant should be cut back at the end of the season. If cut back before early July, the plant will rebloom and have stocky and sturdier stems.

Consider this outstanding ornamental in a coastal garden, cottage garden, or pollinator garden. It will add interest if planted in garden borders, meadows, woodlands, and along ponds or streams. 

Quick ID Hints:

• erect, clumping herbaceous perennial measuring from 5 to 7 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide
• root system is shallow and fibrous
• sturdy green stems with purple leaf nodes
• leaves measure  6 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, up to 12 inches long, green, lance-shaped, serrated margins, arranged in whorls of 3 to 4 on the stem
• tiny, vanilla-scented, pinkish-purple blooms that appear terminally in a domed inflorescence with 5 to 7 florets
• seed heads persist into the winter and the achene is dispersed by the wind

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The Joe-Pye Weed is generally insect or disease free. Powdery mildew and rust can occur. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves will appear scorched. The plants tend to get leggy and will fall over if they receive inadequate sunlight. 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.