Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
eutrochium maculatum
Also known as: ["Spotted Joe Pye Weed","Spotted Boneset","Queen of the Meadow"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its clusters of pinkish-purple flowers and distinctive spotted stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Eutrochium |
| Botanical Name: | Eutrochium maculatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: moist garden beds or near water features
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; should not stay waterlogged but should not dry out quickly.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems if the plant is overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light); prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 5–7 days, more frequently during active growth
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water more during active growth; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings in winter.
Soil
moist, rich, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is consistently moist; amend with organic matter for fertility; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid extreme heat or frost.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity in hot conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize in spring and summer only; do not over-fertilize to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth typically appears within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain high humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the base or desired height; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged stems annually to encourage new growth; shape the plant as needed for aesthetic or health reasons.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; cut at a 45-degree angle; remove dead/damaged growth; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; increase frequency to twice weekly during hot, dry periods; reduce watering in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, or dieback; frost can kill tender parts.
Solution: Protect with mulch in winter; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may require more frequent watering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEutrochium maculatum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicEutrochium maculatum is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicEutrochium maculatum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of the roots or stems may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Spotted Joe-Pye Weed grow?
A: It typically reaches 4 to 7 feet in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, though it prefers some shade in hot climates.
Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its tall stature and robust growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, more frequen |
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