In late summer I have two favorite flowers. Here’s one of them: Sweet Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum). As you can see, it’s a favorite with insects too.
The plant is huge – 10 feet tall – and the flowers, though individually small, are arranged in a large dome-shaped cluster 6 to 9 inches across. Its size is amazing when you consider it grew to this height since April. Click on the photo to see what the entire plant looks like.
Joe-Pye weed used to be considered a weed and was only found growing in the wild near creeks and damp roadside ditches. But now gardeners use native plants so you don’t have to leave town to see it. Stop in Schenley Park and look at the wildflowers across the street from the Westinghouse fountain. The Joe-Pye weed is spectacular.
(photo by Chuck Tague)
I love the Joe-Pye Weed also. There is a smalller version called “Little Joe” which does not get quite as tall, and the flowers are very fragrant. Butterflies love it.