Appearance

Joe-Pye weed has clusters of tiny, feathery, pinkish-purple flowers, which bloom in July to September. Its stems are thick and are a mottled pink and purple color. Large, toothed leaves are arranged in whorls on the stem. Joe-Pye weed grows four to six feet tall.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

After blooming, flowers mature into a seed head. Wind, animals and other natural disturbances spread the seeds. New seedlings grow in spring.

Did You Know?

  • Joe-Pye weed attracts bees, birds and butterflies.
  • It is named after Joe Pye, a 19th century naturalist from New England who is said to have used the plant’s roots to heal typhus fever.

Sources and Additional Information