Joe Pye Weed, Spotted joe pye weed
Eupatorium maculatum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Eupatorium maculatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Damp thickets, meadows, shores etc, usually on rich or calcareous soils from Quebec and southwards.
South-eastern and Central N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia to Washington and New York.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
A tea made from the whole herb is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of kidney complaints, painful urination, rheumatism etc. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer before the flower buds open, and are dried for later use. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of fevers, colds, kidney and liver complaints, rheumatism etc. It is said to have a tonic effect upon pregnant women and is also said to induce sweating. Externally, a decoction of the roots is used as a wash on rheumatic joints. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Other
Rating:
The stems have been used as straws.
Straw: For drinking with.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Erosion control, Massing, Seashore, Specimen, Woodland garden. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil that is well-drained but moisture retentive in sun or part shade. This species is hardy to about -25°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. Special Features: Attractive foliage, North American native, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist