Eutrochium fistulosum (Hollow Joe-Pye Weed)

Size: 4-7’ tall / 3-4’ wide

Sun: Full Sun - Part Shade

Soil: Medium-Wet  

Bloom Time: Late Summer to Early Fall

Deer Resistance: 3.5/5

Ecotype: Virginia

Hollow Joe-Pye Weed is a clump-forming perennial that adds height and structure to any planting. It is is one of the later perennials to reemerge in the spring, but it grows quickly once it does. It thrives is moist-wet soils in full to part sun, but it is adaptable and will perform in average garden soils-- especially if supplemental water is provided during periods of drought. While it can handle some shade, it will increase the likelihood of it flopping. The flowers are a dusty reddish pink color that bloom in the summer, and the subsequent seedheads persist well into the winter. 

The large inflorescences are true showstoppers, impossible to ignore by humans and pollinators alike. Swallowtail butterflies are especially drawn to the flowers. In addition, 33 species of moth and butterfly use it as a host plant, including the Great Tiger moth, Clymene moth, and Eupatorium Borer moth. Birds like goldfinches, chickadees, wrens, and titmice feed on the seeds in the winter.