Wildflowers of the United States

Hollow Joe Pye Weed, Trumpetweed, Tubular Thoroughwort, Hollow-stemmed Joe-pye-weed - Eutrochium fistulosum

Genus Common Name: Joe Pye Weed

Native Status: Native

Dicot Perennial Herb

Eutrochium fistulosum - Hollow Joe Pye Weed, Trumpetweed, Tubular Thoroughwort, Hollow-stemmed Joe-pye-weed.
There are only five species in the Eutrochium genus, Joe Pye Weed. These were previously classified in the Eupatorium genus (Thoroughworts.) The separating characteristics are the whorled leaves and purple-tinted flowers of Eutrochium, versus mostly opposite leaves and white flowers in the plants remaining in Eupatorium. Eutrochium was named Eupatoriadelphus until it was determined that the Eutrochium name had seniority.

Hollow Joe Pye Weed (previously Eupatorium fistulosum) is found in 30 of our eastern/southern states. There is much overlap between E. fistulosus and the other 2 species; E. dubius is found on the eastern seaboard, and E. maculatus (Spotted Joe Pye Weed) is the most widespread species, found in 36 states and most of Canada.

Maine - Special Concern; Michigan - Threatened; New Hampshire - Endangered. Some consider it to be a weed.

Leave comments on Eutrochium fistulosum at this link.

Distribution of Eutrochium fistulosum in the United States and Canada:

Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
Map color key
Search Our Database: Enter any portion of the Scientific, Common Name, or both.

Do a general Google search of the entire site:

#ad

Follow USWildflowers on Twitter

#ad

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-August-17	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D60 Sigma DG 120-400mm
The dull pink inflorescence of Eutrochium fistulosum is large and rounded.

Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-August-17	Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson Nikon D60
Hollow Joe Pye Weed can be a tall plant, growing from 3 to more than 7 feet tall. The leaves come in whorls of 4 to 7; other Joe Pye species have fewer leaves.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2009-August-17	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D60 Sigma DG 120-400mm
Butterflies love Joe Pye Weed.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-August-18	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D60 Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
The blossoms of Eutrochium fistulosum each usually have 5 to 7 pink disk florets. Ray florets are absent.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-August-17	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D60 Sigma DG 120-400mm
The hollow stem of Eutrochium fistulosum is smooth. It is a glaucous purple.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Site: Walker County, GA Date: 2010-August-22	Photographer: Gerald C Williamson Nikon D60 Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
This clearly shows why this is Hollow Joe Pye Weed.
Click on the photo for a larger image

#ad

Eutrochium fistulosum initially published on USWildflowers.com 2010-08-20; Updated 2018-11-20

Commercial / Cookie Notice

Looking for Wildflowers for a specific state? Check here:

All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2024
Photographs Copyright owned by the named photographer

Code Update 20230302