Hollow Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) vs. Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
Updated September 25th, 2020These two species are sometimes confused in the northeast where their ranges overlap broadly; both are found in wet, sunny habitats. They are usually easily distinguished by a variety of attributes, including stems, inflorescence color and shape, plant height, and number of leaves per whorl. E. maculatum is more likely to be found in intact natural wetlands with mineral-rich soils, whereas E. fistulosum is more likely in disturbed or degraded habitats.