Photo of Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

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Photographer & Copyright

© Kathleen Houlahan Chayer

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Public Domain

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

Sweetscented Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) vs. Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Updated April 23rd, 2021

These two species are occasionally confused where their ranges overlap in the northeast and Midwest. They are usually easily distinguished by their stems, inflorescence shape, and number of florets per head. They also have average differences in bloom color, leaf texture, and number of leaves per whorl, but these characteristics have more variability and overlap. E. purpureum prefers drier, shadier habitats, whereas E. maculatum is usually found in sunnier wetlands. The two species can hybridize, so it may not be possible to identify all individuals.

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Hollow Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) vs. Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

Updated September 25th, 2020

These 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.

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