Short Answer
Yes, in a limited way. Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium species, formerly Eupatorium) is a larval host for some moth caterpillars, and it is also a well-known nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other insects. It is best thought of as a nectar plant first, with some value as a host plant. Claims online about the exact number of species it supports vary widely, so treat any single figure with caution.
Which Plants Are Joe Pye Weed?
Common native species in eastern North America include:
- Sweet Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- Spotted Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
- Hollow Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum)
All are tall perennials with whorled leaves and large, domed clusters of pink to mauve flowers in mid to late summer. Plants were once placed in Eupatorium, so older labels may use that name. Check which species is native in your area.
Which Caterpillars Use It?
Moth caterpillars are the best-documented users. Sources often mention species such as the Joe Pye weed plume moth and some tiger moths. Many butterflies visit it for nectar rather than lay eggs on it. If caterpillar support is your main goal, pair it with other host plants, such as milkweeds, asters, and goldenrods.
Nectar Value
The flowers are widely reported to attract swallowtails, monarchs, fritillaries, skippers, and native bees. Because it blooms late in summer, it fills a gap between early summer perennials and fall asters. For more plants that bloom as the season winds down, see our list of fall blooming native perennials.
Growing Basics
- Light: full sun to part shade.
- Soil: average to moist soil; spotted and hollow Joe Pye weed are often associated with wet sites.
- Size: commonly 4 to 7 feet or more, depending on species and conditions.
- Hardiness: hardy across much of the eastern and central U.S., though specifics vary by species.
- Care: water during dry spells, especially in the first year. Leaving the stems standing through winter provides cover for insects.
Because it is tall and likes moisture, it is not a great fit for very dry sites. If you garden in dry conditions, our guide to drought resistant butterfly plants has more suitable choices.
Does Joe Pye Weed Spread?
It tends to form expanding clumps and also self-seeds, particularly in moist soil. It is generally not considered aggressively invasive within its native range, but it can seed around. Cutting off flower heads before the seed ripens can limit this, though leaving some seed heads provides food for birds.
Joe Pye Weed vs. Ironweed
The two are often confused because both are tall, late-summer plants with purple flowers. Ironweed (Vernonia species) generally has deeper purple, more spread-out flower clusters, and its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, while Joe Pye weed has leaves in whorls. Both are good for pollinators.
Companion Plants
- New England aster and other asters
- Goldenrods
- Swamp milkweed
- Ironweed
- Beebalm
- Native grasses like switchgrass or little bluestem
FAQ
What is the number one flower that attracts butterflies? There is no single answer. Milkweeds, coneflowers, and Joe Pye weed are among the plants often recommended. A mix of plants blooming across the season works better than relying on one species.
Is Joe Pye weed good for bees? Yes, bees are reported to visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.
Does Joe Pye weed come back every year? Yes, it is a perennial that regrows from the roots each spring.