Plant · GBIF taxon 3138195
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
Eutrochium maculatumAlso known as Spotted Trumpetweed, Spotted Eupatorium, Marsh Joe-Pye Weed
Spotted Joe-Pye weed commands attention in late summer wetlands with tall purple-speckled stems topped by massive domes of rose-pink blossoms. Dense clusters of tubular flowers produce abundant nectar, serving as crucial refueling stations for migrating butterflies, long-tongued bees, and beneficial wasps. Vanilla-scented foliage gives way to fuzzy seed heads that persist into winter, offering key food and nesting material for overwintering birds.
WetlandPerennialPollinator Magnet
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Moist Soil Nutrients
- Groundwater
Predators
- White-Tailed Deer
- Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle
- Moth Caterpillars
ThreatsWetland drainage, habitat degradation, and invasive plant competition
HabitatsWet meadows, marshes, stream banks, and damp prairies
Life spanPerennial (10+ years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsterales
- FamilyAsteraceae
- GenusEutrochium
- SpeciesEutrochium maculatum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Identification: Look for purple spots or mottling on the main stem and leaves arranged in whorls of 4 to 5.
- Habitat Clues: Search damp meadows, ditches, and stream borders where full sun and wet soil meet.
- Garden Planting: Introduce to rain gardens or pond edges to attract dozens of pollinator species.
Frequent Companion (c) Thomas Koffel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Koffel · cc-by
Pollinator Sid Mosdell from New Zealand / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Wetland Neighbor (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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