Eutrochium (Eupatorium) dubium 'Little Joe' (Joe-Pye weed)

Coastal plain Joe Pye weed can be a robust accent in wildlife gardens with its bright green leaves whorled around sturdy purple stems topped by numerous flower heads in flat-topped arrays. It can be used for cut flowers, erosion control in moist meadows, or as part of a mass planting. 'Little Joe' grows up to 4' tall, often shorter. Give it full sun to part shade. It will grow in a variety of soil types, provided the soil does not dry out. Tolerates deer and drought, and naturalizes readily. This hardy species is well suited for cottage gardens, rain gardens, perennial borders, and wetlands.

Photo by Kathy Thornton