Little Joe Pye (Eupatorium/Eutrochium dubium)
Indeed, Dwarf Joe Pye is a novel solution for smaller garden spaces. Modern garden design integrates more and more native species. Many natives get very tall and aren’t a good fit for front yard gardens. But E. dubium trends towards a more petite habit. Although this may be true, butterflies and pollinators love the smaller plant just as fiercely.
This herbaceous perennial is smaller than the other, more commonly known Joe Pye species. Stems are sometimes completely purple, sometimes green with purple spots. One plant can produce numerous rose-purple flower heads in late summer, each head with 5-9-disc flowers but no ray flowers. Traditionally known within the genus Eupatorium, taxonomists have recently re-classified Joe Pye as Eutrochium. The specific name dubium, means three nerved. All the Eupatorium family plants do very well from seed. Purchasing an ounce of this seed can result in a hundred plants or more.
Little Joe Pye thrives in marshes, rich fens and swamps. E. dubium is more drought tolerant than its taller counterparts. However, it also does well in man-made moist expanses such as ditches, seepage areas and wet fields. Above all else the plant flourishes in the non-shaded environments that are also abundant in wetlands. But you may be surprised at all the diverse habitats where Little Joe Pye can thrive. It is an easy grower. In truth, Dwarf Joe can successfully grow in almost any conditions.
Eupatorium dubium is a major quintessential native plant that people think of when they consider regionally indigenous plants. E. dubium is one of the most famous native plants. It cuts quite a lovely figure in wetlands and roadsides, in rain gardens and butterfly gardens.
Would you like our design/build landscaping team to develop a beautiful habitat garden system for your property that includes Eupatorium species flowers? We’d love to meet you! Fill out our customer intake form and we’ll be in touch soon.
