Eupatorium maculatum - Joe Pye Weed

Family:	Compositae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.5
Synonyms:
Range:	South-eastern and Central N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia to Washington and New York.

Eupatorium maculatum (Joe Pye Weed) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.5m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Joe Pye Weed will flower in January to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Joe Pye Weed will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Joe Pye Weed prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Joe Pye Weed can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Damp thickets, meadows, shores etc, usually on rich or calcareous soils from Quebec and southwards[43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil that is well-drained but moisture retentive in sun or part shade[200]. This species is hardy to about -25°c[187]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
A tea made from the whole herb is diuretic[222]. It is used in the treatment of kidney complaints, painful urination, rheumatism etc[61, 222]. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer before the flower buds open, and are dried for later use[238]. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of fevers, colds, kidney and liver complaints, rheumatism etc[222, 257]. It is said to have a tonic effect upon pregnant women[257] and is also said to induce sweating[222]. Externally, a decoction of the roots is used as a wash on rheumatic joints[257]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Kidney - Used in the treatment of kidney diseases

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[111]. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The stems have been used as straws[257].

• Straw - For drinking with.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.