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Spotted Joe Pye Weed

Eutrochium maculatum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Spotted Joe Pye Weed is a tall, bold native wildflower growing 4–7 feet tall, distinguished by its purple-spotted stems and large, flat-topped clusters of dusty-pink to purple flowers in midsummer. Found in moist to wet habitats across most of North America, it blooms over a long season from July through September. It is one of the most important butterfly nectar plants in eastern North America, especially for tiger swallowtails and fritillaries. Its bold stature and long bloom season make it outstanding in native gardens.

Habitat
Found in wet meadows, stream banks, moist prairies, and roadsides across North America.
Diet
Critical nectar source for tiger swallowtails, fritillaries, and monarchs; prime bumblebee plant.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Spotted Joe Pye Weed

The best time to see a Spotted Joe Pye Weed is July–August, when about 77% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,502 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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