Identification
This native perennial can grow to 6 feet and taller. The erect stems are green with purple only at the leaf nodes (F). The large, lance shaped leaves are in whorls of 3 or 4 (A,E). The tiny pale lavender flowers are arranged in domed compound clusters (umbels) (A,B). Each cluster is composed of many individual cylindrical flower heads. Each head contains 5-8 tiny disk flowers with protruding whitish styles (D). Image (G) shows the fluffy developing seed clusters and (H) the tiny individual seeds with their attached bristly hairs facilitating wind dispersal.
Closely related Spotted Joe-Pye weed has completely red stems and prefers moister lowland or ravine habitats. Other “Boneset” species with very similar flower heads (Common Boneset, Tall and Late Boneset, False Boneset) have paler flowers and paired, not whorled leaves.
Grows in moist upland woods, flowering in July and August. In Fontenelle Forest it is quite common in the uplands south of Gifford Road; less common elsewhere. Uncommon at Neale woods.
The Joe Pye weeds have been recently moved to the genus Eutrochium. Most of its look-alike “boneset” cousins remain in the genus Eupatorium.
The origin of the common name cannot be precisely documented, but the name Joe Pye has traditionally been credited to the Mohican leader Shahquethqueat known as Joe Pye by his white contemporaries.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.