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!
Image of Eutrochium maculatum
Source: Krzysztof Ziarnek Kenraiz
Eutrochium maculatum

Plant Names

image of Flowering plant
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:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
beginner friendly Suitable for beginner gardeners
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
wetland garden Suitable for wetland garden
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
shoreline_rehab Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
school garden Suitable for school gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Hummingbird friendly Supports hummingbirds
butterfly host Butterfly host
keystones species Keystone species
Tolerates:
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
Rabbit Resistant Rabbit resistant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Sand Tolerant Tolerates sandy conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Juglone Tolerant 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

Distribution: Eutrochium maculatum
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

Specialized Bees Supported by Eutrochium maculatum

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

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.