purple-node joe-pye

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

5-7 ft. tall
2-4 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

A small percentage of total seed produced on a flower head is viable. Seed requires 90 days cold moist stratification. Division should be done in spring when first emerging or in the fall just before dormancy.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 4 ft spacing. Grows quite tall and may need staking.

Plants/Diseases

Leaves may be affected by powdery mildew and rust. Leaves may scorch if soils becomes too dry.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves whorled, lanceolate to ovate with crenate or serrate margins.

Flowers

Tiny heads of pink/lavender flowers arranged in a corymb.

Fruit

Achene

Bark

Leaf nodes are purple.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Mesic forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in the South Carolina coastal plain and sandhills. Common in the piedmont and mountains.

Subspecies

Eutrochium purpureum var. carolinianum

Eutrochium purpureum var. holzingeri

Eutrochium purpureum var. purpureum