Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) 'Glutball'
ABOUT
The Eupatorium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) 'Glutball', commonly known as the spotted Joe Pye weed, is a perennial plant that is well-known for its striking appearance. It typically displays a robust, clump-forming character with sturdy, upright stems that have a reddish-purple coloring. The stems are topped with fluffy, mauve-pink flower clusters that impart an impressive and bold look, especially when in full bloom. These dome-shaped flower heads are composed of tiny, fuzzy florets that are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The foliage of the spotted Joe Pye weed contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal, featuring lance-shaped leaves that can be dark green in color. These leaves are typically arranged in whorls around the stem, enhancing the plant's fullness and textural interest. As the season progresses, the leaves can take on more purplish tints, creating a cohesive color scheme with the stems and flowers. The combination of its flower clusters and colorful leaves makes the spotted Joe Pye weed a standout in gardens and naturalized areas, where it adds a vertical aspect and a touch of wild beauty to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Purple Joe-Pye Weed, Joe-Pye Weed, Spotted Trumpetweed
Common names
Eupatoriadelphus maculatus 'Glutball', Eupatorium purpureum 'Glutball'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as spotted Joe Pye weed is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. If ingested, it can potentially cause mild symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms result from certain chemical compounds present in the plant that can be irritating to the digestive system if consumed in large quantities. Handling the plant might cause skin irritation in some individuals. The consequence of ingesting parts of this plant is generally not life-threatening, but it is recommended to avoid consumption and seek medical advice if any symptoms occur.
To pets
Spotted Joe Pye weed is also considered to have low toxicity to pets. If a pet ingests this plant, it may experience similar mild symptoms as humans, such as vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms can occur due to the presence of irritating compounds that may upset the pet's stomach. In general, the plant does not pose a serious threat to pets, but it is still advisable to prevent pets from consuming it and to consult a veterinarian if any symptoms are observed after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators - Joe Pye weed, as it's commonly known, is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden, which is beneficial for plant reproduction and ecosystem health.
- Native plant - Being native to North America, it is well-adapted to local climates and ecosystems, often requiring less maintenance and being more resistant to local pests.
- Ornamental value - With its tall stems, pink-purple flowers, and robust presence, Joe Pye weed adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife habitat - Provides a natural habitat for wildlife, offering food in the form of nectar and a nesting space for various species.
- Soil erosion control - The species' strong root systems can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain areas.
- Rain garden suitability - It thrives in moist conditions, making it an ideal choice for rain gardens where it can help manage water runoff.
- Seasonal interest - Joe Pye weed has a long blooming period that typically extends through late summer and can provide visual interest when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens where water conservation is a priority.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erosion Control: Joe-Pye weed can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion due to its rigorous root system that anchors the soil in place.
- Dye Production: The plant can be used in natural dye production, yielding a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Craft Material: Dried stems of Joe-Pye weed can be used in floral arrangements or as craft materials for making items like wreaths or dream catchers.
- Biological Pest Control: The plant can attract predatory insects like ladybugs which in turn can help control garden pests.
- Habitat Restoration: It can be used in habitat restoration projects to help re-establish native ecosystems.
- Photography Subject: With its striking appearance, Joe-Pye weed makes a good subject for nature and macro photography.
- Educational Use: Joe-Pye weed can be used in educational programs to teach about pollination and the role of native plants in ecosystems.
- Water Garden Accent: The plant can be used at the water's edge of a garden pond, providing a natural appearance and assisting in bank stabilization.
- Butterfly Garden Design: Joe-Pye weed is a key plant for butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to a variety of butterflies including the monarch and swallowtails.
- Mystical and Spiritual Practices: In some traditions, Joe-Pye weed may be used symbolically or ritually to represent aspects of nature or spirituality.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiJoe-Pye Weed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJoe-Pye Weed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Sturdiness: Eupatorium maculatum, commonly known as Joe-Pye Weed, has robust stems and can grow in tough environments, symbolizing resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Healing: Traditionally, the plant was named after a Native American healer, Joe Pye, and is known for its medicinal properties, representing healing and health.
- Attraction: With its showy, purplish-pink flowers, Joe-Pye Weed symbolizes attraction and can represent the ability to pull in and enchant those around you.
WaterThe Joe Pye Weed prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods, with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water. It's important to avoid waterlogging, so ensure that the soil drains well after watering. During the growing season, you might need to increase watering to twice a week, particularly in hot, dry weather. In established plants, reduce watering as they can tolerate some drought. Always check the top inch of the soil, and if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water again.
LightJoe Pye Weed thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. For optimum growth and bloom, place the plant in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. If planted in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. An ideal spot would be one that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.
TemperatureJoe Pye Weed does well in a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate the heat of summer well into the 90s Fahrenheit, but it grows best in cooler conditions, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is winter-hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. Sudden extreme temperature changes should be avoided to prevent stress on the plant.
PruningPrune Joe Pye Weed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cutting back the dead stems to the ground helps stimulate healthy new growth and improves air circulation. Pruning can also be done after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent unwanted self-seeding, although some gardeners leave the seed heads for winter interest and bird food. Prune as needed to shape the plant or control its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJoe-Pye Weed 'Glutball' prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with good drainage. A combination of loamy soil, peat, and some perlite or sand can provide the right balance. The optimal pH for this plant is between 5.5 and 7.0 to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingJoe-Pye Weed 'Glutball' typically does not require frequent repotting since it's a perennial that is often grown outdoors. In a garden setting, repotting is unnecessary. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingJoe-Pye Weed 'Glutball' is adaptable to various humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. It grows well in outdoor settings where the humidity will naturally fluctuate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Choose a bright spot, avoid dry air, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Sun to part shade, moist soil, doesn't need much care.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEupatorium maculatum 'Glutball', commonly known as Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, starts its life cycle with seed germination in late winter to early spring, where warmth and moisture trigger the emergence of seedlings. These seedlings establish a root system and begin to grow vegetatively into sturdy stems with whorled leaves throughout the spring. Through summer, the plant experiences a period of rapid growth, followed by the development of its characteristic dome-shaped, mauve-pink flower clusters that attract numerous pollinators. After blooming, which usually occurs from mid-summer to early fall, the flowers are pollinated and develop into small seed-like fruits known as achenes that are dispersed by wind in late fall. As winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, dying back to the ground while the roots survive underground. The plant remains dormant through winter until the cycle restarts with new growth from the rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Joe Pye Weed 'Glutball' is by division, which is ideally done in early spring or fall. This method involves carefully digging up an established clump of the plant and gently separating it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These sections can then be immediately replanted in a prepared garden area or potted up if necessary. The divisions should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots. This method of propagation is quick, relatively simple, and highly effective, allowing gardeners to create new plants that are exact clones of the parent.
