“In My Garden” this week is another local wildflower. As some of you know, I’m photographing Stamford’s common wildflowers to create a reference guide. When I get a photo really like of a favorite flower, I’ve included it in “In My Garden”.
picture: Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum)Stamford CT, Summer 2002
This week, I’d like to share an All-Time Great American, the Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum), photographed here for sale at a local nursery. This North American native, which is found from Iowa and New Hampshire to Georgia and Oklahoma, likes low, swampy ground in sun or part sun. Joe Pye Weed usually grows 2’ to 6’ but some varieties with plenty of sun and water can reach an astounding 10 feet. (See, I told you it’s “great”!) It blooms in late summer through early fall.
It’s a member of the boneset clan in the Composite Flower family (all family members have daisy-like flowers). Yarrow is a foreign relation.
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Photo credits: Sue Sweeney © Sue Sweeney 2002
And the readers said: The Joe Pye Weed is beautiful. Rebecca (CT) Thanks as always for another great photo. I really enjoy your Monday notes because being away from the plant business I feel like your notes keep me in touch with it. Anita (NY) You are some photographer. I was there when you took this picture and you certainly know how to bring out the best in your subjects. Lizzie (CT) Busy day yesterday so I couldn't open my friendly mail...this is a star! I love it. I don't know about the 10' part but I'd love to cultivate it in a dwarf state. I'm small in stature and 10' would be a challenge to prune. Our garden is growing wonderful, it is really responding to the cooler weather. I've planted a lilac bush and a forsythia along with some columbines, black eyed Susan's and butter cups. My morning glory vine is blooming white and pink, deep purple and fuchsia and purple blue flowers - what a charm. I'm hoping to pick up a honeysuckle and a trumpet vine. No luck with my wisteria blooming this year. I really a have to work with it. Lin (NY)
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