Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp ) is in full bloom at the SBG, and pollinators are taking full advantage of its bounty! This wonderful native choice is said to be named for a Mohican medicine man from Salem, Mass who had great success curing colonial settlers of typhus with this herb. The common name is said to be a phonetic translation of jopi or jopai, an early native American word for typhus.
In nature, Joe Pye is most often found in marshes and along the edges of fields, making it a natural choice for rain gardens or wet spots. This stately (6’) perennial also creates an excellent backdrop for pollinator gardens, where its fluffy, pink-purple blooms are an especially valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies. It’s also a host plant for several types of moths, and hollow stems provide habitat for stem-nesting bees. When bloom time is over, birds love feeding on the seeds. This ‘regular Joe’ is a real standout for the pollinator habitat!
Photo: Lisa Schneider
