Illinois Native Plant Guide

Spotted Joe Pye Weed
Eupatorium maculatum

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

Prefers moist soil. Tolerates inundation up to a depth of 6 inches early in the season, as in damp meadows, open marshes, and fens. Tolerates flooding for short periods in the spring.

Wildlife Value

Attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and many other insects. Provides cover for small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Seeds are eaten by swamp sparrow.

Application/Zone

Used in upper shoreline zones and in vegetated swales.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Seed works best and is readily available from commercial vendors.
• Seed has spotty germination. No treatment is necessary. Sow seed in the fall or early spring when ground is cool.
• Seed is very fine and should be planted on the soil surface.
• Division of plants, if desired, should be done in the spring but only every 2 to 4 years.

Spotted Joe Pye Weed
Eupatorium maculatum

Mature Height
4-6 feet

Plant Type
Perennial herb

Indicator Status
Obligate

pH
Not available

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Low

Salt Tolerance
Not available

Siltation Tolerance
Low

Flowering Color and Time
Deep rose to light pink
June to September

Light Preference
Full sun

Seeding Rate
.06 - 2.0 lbs/acre

The following document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader: 
npg_p82-83.pdf [PDF]

<Back to Plant Guide Index
<Back to Plant Guide Table of Contents