Fauna
Plant

Hollow Joe-Pye Weed

Eutrochium fistulosum

Also known as Trumpetweed, Purple Thoroughwort, Hollow-Stemmed Joe-Pye Weed

Towering over moist meadows and stream margins, Hollow Joe-Pye Weed produces massive, dome-shaped clusters of pinkish-purple flowers throughout late summer. Its tall stems are completely hollow and glaucous, lined with whorls of coarsely toothed leaves that emit a light vanilla aroma when crushed. These majestic perennials serve as vital late-season nectar sources for swallowtails, monarchs, and native bumblebees preparing for autumn.

Pollinator MagnetWetland NativeLate-Summer Bloom
Hollow Joe-Pye Weed reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Grasshoppers
  • Caterpillars
ThreatsWetland drainage, development, broad-spectrum herbicide runoff, and invasive plant competition
HabitatsMoist meadows, floodplains, stream banks, marsh margins, and damp roadside ditches
Life spanPerennial (10+ years)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusEutrochium
  4. SpeciesEutrochium fistulosum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Snip or gently press a dead stem near the base to confirm it is hollow, unlike its solid-stemmed relatives.
  • Gardening: Plant in full sun to light shade with consistently moist, rich soil to encourage towering heights.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Visit blooming patches during warm August afternoons to observe dozens of feeding butterflies.
Related species
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