Notice: Please note that in 2025, some seeds labeled Spotted Joe Pye Weed were in fact White Vervain. Please check your species before donating. Thanks!
Plant Names
Eutrochium maculatum
Spotted Joe Pye Weed
Eupatoire maculée
Synonyms
eupatoire pourpre
Plant Characteristics
Bloom Colour: Pink
Bloom Period: Jul - Sep
Max Height: 5.0 feet
Max Width: 4.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Spreads by rhizome
Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
Suitable for wetland garden
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Suitable for school gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Supports hummingbirds
Butterfly host
Keystone species
Tolerates:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates sandy conditions
Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:
Seed and plant distribution status
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Fun Facts
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed has sturdy stems that are often marked with purple or reddish spots, giving the plant its common name. Large, domed clusters of dusty pink to mauve flowers appear from mid to late summer into fall. It is an excellent choice for a wet meadow, pond edge, or the back of a large native border. Its height makes it best suited to the back of a border or a naturalized planting. It generally forms sturdy clumps and is vigorous but not usually aggressive. Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during establishment. It does not need rich soil. It can survive brief dry periods once established, but it performs best with reliable moisture.
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Distribution according to VASCAN
Ephemeral
Native
Introduced
Excluded
Extirpated
Doubtful
Absent
Thrives in Ecozones
- Taiga Plains
- Atlantic Maritime
- Taiga Shield
- Boreal Plains
- Montane Cordillera
- Prairies
- Boreal Shield
- Pacific Maritime
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Eutrochium maculatum
-
Schinia trifascia
Three lined flower
Specialized Bees Supported by Eutrochium maculatum
No bee data available for this plant.
Complementary Plants
- Agastache nepetoides
Yellow Giant Hyssop
Agastache faux-népéta - Eupatorium perfoliatum
Common Boneset
Eupatoire perfoliée - Lilium canadense
Canada Lily
Lis du Canada - Scirpus atrovirens
Dark-green Bulrush
Scirpe noirâtre - Verbena hastata
Blue Vervain
Verveine hastée
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Sorbaria sorbifolia (False spirea)
- Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
- Aegopodium podagraria (Goutweed)
- Thalictrum (Non-Native Meadow Rue)
- Symphiotrichum (Non-Native Aster)
Sowing Information
Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Surface sow
- Sow by March
- Stratification duration: 30 days
- Self-seeding
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: August
- Harvesting indicator:
- Seeds have become fluffy and can be easily removed by shaking on gently pulling off from stem
- Harvesting:
- Shake seed head in paper bag
- Seed viability test:
- No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/4 teaspoon
- Seed storage:
- Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
- Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
- Harvesting video: Watch here
Toxicity Notes
Toxic to mammals if ingested.
Canadensis