Joe-Pye weed is one you want to cultivate
In Yellowstone, as you drive from one scenic point to another, you’ll notice cars pulled to the side of the road. This is a clear signal that something of interest has been spotted. Bison, elk, moose, wolves and, of course, bears are at the top of the list.
The past few weeks we’ve been experiencing this type of moment — but with the unbelievably picturesque Joe-Pye weeds. The plants appear to be IAH for butterflies.
You have to admit it makes you feel good to know folks are so interested as to get out of their cars, for an up close and personal encounter with swallowtails, hair-streaks and an assortment of bees. I, too, found myself getting off the beaten path, so to speak, to be a participant in this nature fest.
Joe-Pye weed is a towering native topped with smokey-pinkish-purple domed clusters in summer and fall. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves whirl along straight, tall stems. In moist soils, the 6-foot species may grow taller.
While Joe-Pye will forever be tagged with the indignation of having weed associated with its name, rest assured it is and forever will be a dazzling perennial for the back of the garden bor--
der. This year, I saw them for sale at one of the national chains. Could ironweeds, goldenrods and bonesets be next?
This relative of the chrysanthemum has been loved worldwide and made it into European gardens while we weren’t even paying attention. Legend has it that Joe-Pye was a Native American Indian, Jopi, who used the plant to cure fever. While we won’t use it for its medicinal properties, this chrysanthemum relative can be a trusted perennial for the landscape and is a must-have for backyard habitats and butterfly gardens.
The Joe-Pye has changed botanically from
Eupatorium to Eutrochium. You’ll find them native from the Gulf States to Canada. Eutrochium fistulosum, or hollow stem Joe-Pye weed, is the one is often seen at the edge of Texas woodland roadsides producing rose-pink flowers.
Joe-Pye does best in fertile, loamy soil. To look their best, you will most likely need to give them supplemental water during dry periods of the summer. Plant them informally in cluster or drifts at least 3 feet apart. If 6-feet-tall is too much for your garden, look for 4-foot cultivars. Plant them in sun or part sun.
Take a tip from Mother Nature and grow them with plants like ironweeds, Lynn Lowery goldenrod, swamp hibiscus and anise hyssops or hummingbird mints. If you do, you may just have those “Yellowstone” moments where people are stopping by your home to participate in nature.