(Eutrochium purpureum ‘Sweet Joe Pye Weed’)

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Sweet Joe Pye Weed is a native clump-forming perennial flower that grows in prairies, on the edges of woodlands, or on woody slopes throughout central and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-6' and features purple-speckled branching stems, 8” medium green lance-shaped leaves, and aromatic clusters of florets that are light pink to lavender. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinating moths, tolerates drought, and has medicinal properties! 

  • General Information
  • Germination
  • Seedlings
  • Harvesting
  • Seed Saving
  • Medicinal
  • Companion Planting
  • Other Uses
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Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Eutrochium

Species: purpureum

Variety: Sweet Joe Pye Weed

Also Known As: Sweetscented Joe Pye Weed, Queen of the Meadow, Trumpet-Weed, Gravel Weed, Gravel-Root, Purple Boneset.

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Introduced into: Norway, Switzerland

Ease of Growing: Easy

Grown as: Perennial
 
Maturity (Blooms): Summer-Fall

Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts Honeybees and Butterflies.

Light: Full Sun

Water: Medium

Soil Moisture: Medium

Height: 7-8'
 
Spacing: 12-15”

Sow Depth: On soil surface
 
Produces: branching stems that have purple specks, 8” medium green lance-shaped leaves, and aromatic clusters of florets that are light pink to lavender. 

USDA Zone: 5a-10b
​Direct sow in late fall, pressing the seeds into the surface of the soil since they need light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing. To start indoors, scatter the seed on the surface of the soil in a flat; compress the soil slightly and keep it lightly moist until germination, which is naturally slow but should take place within 2-3 months. Keep the soil consistently moist, and transplant seedlings as soon as they reach a height of several inches.
Keep seedlings watered, since they need even moisture in their first year of development; they may not bloom until their second year of growth. Mature plants can tolerate drought, though they reach their full potential in moist, well-drained soil. This plant may spread by rhizomes and self-seeding, and can be divided after several years of growth. Cut the plant down to the ground after the first frost. This plant attracts butterflies and bees.
For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Late in the season, these fuzzy flowers will begin to turn dull brown. Snip off entire heads and spread them out in a protected location to prevent the light seed from blowing away. When the heads have completely dried, shake them to remove the seed. The fluff attached to the seeds does not affect germination. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
Sweet Joe Pye Weed was used by the native N. American Indians as a diaphoretic to induce perspiration and break a fever. The plant was quickly adopted by the white settlers and still finds a use in modern herbalism. The whole plant, but especially the root, is astringent, diuretic, nervine and tonic. It works particularly on the genito-urinary system and the uterus. Especially valuable as a diuretic and stimulant, as well as an astringent tonic, a tea made from the roots and leaves has been used to eliminate stones from the urinary tract, to treat urinary incontinence in children, cystitis, urethritis, impotence etc. It is also said to be helpful in treating rheumatism and gout by increasing the removal of waste from the kidneys. The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer before the buds open and are dried for later use. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Try pairing Eupatorium purpureum with Aster novae-angliae, Lobelia siphilitica, Monarda fistulosa, Rudbeckia laciniata,, Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks', Carex amphibola or Sorghastrum nutans.
The roots have been burnt and their ashes used as salt to flavor foods. The stems have been used as straws. The fruits yield a pink or red textile dye.

Suggested Varieties

(Monarda fistulosa ‘Wild’)

Wild Bergamot is a native, perennial, clump-forming flower naturally found growing in dry, rocky woods and prairies across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-3' and features a square-like stem, aromatic greenish-gray leaves, and globular clusters of two-lipped lavender flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is edible and medicinal, is used as a cut flower, is drought tolerant, is used to flavor perfumes, makes insect repellents and essential oils, is resistant to deer, and self-sows!
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