Of the four native “joe-pye” species in the northeast, Eutrochium dubium is the shortest, sometimes being referred to as dwarf joe-pye weed. Plants still grow to be 3-5’ tall, but when compared to its relatives that can reach 8’ in height, E. dubium is slightly better suited to a home garden or backyard landscape, while still retaining a good upright presence. It has a clump-forming nature, with attractive reddish stems that are capped with large mauve-pink flower clusters beginning in mid-summer. The giant fluffy seed heads that follow in fall provide food and nesting materials for birds. Naturally occurring in wet soils, Eutrochium dubium makes a great rain garden plant, but is equally adaptable to garden beds and borders, where it can also be used as a long-lasting cut flower. Leaves will scorch if plants do not receive adequate moisture.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
Of the four native “joe-pye” species in the northeast, Eutrochium dubium is the shortest, sometimes being referred to as dwarf joe-pye weed. Plants still grow to be 3-5’ tall, but when compared to its relatives that can reach 8’ in height, E. dubium is slightly better suited to a home garden or backyard landscape, while still retaining a good upright presence. It has a clump-forming nature, with attractive reddish stems that are capped with large mauve-pink flower clusters beginning in mid-summer. The giant fluffy seed heads that follow in fall provide food and nesting materials for birds. Naturally occurring in wet soils, Eutrochium dubium makes a great rain garden plant, but is equally adaptable to garden beds and borders, where it can also be used as a long-lasting cut flower. Leaves will scorch if plants do not receive adequate moisture.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
Height: 3-5’
Bloom Time: mid-summer to early fall
Light: full sun, part shade
Soil: wet, medium-wet, average
Establishment: easy, leaves may scorch if soil dries out
Deer Resistance: medium
Pollinator Support: high
Other: host plant for multiple species of caterpillars
Native Range: local ecotype
Seed Origin: Fairfield County, CT
