Spotted Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) is a tall (7 to 10 feet). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous which results in small clonal colonies. You can divide the plant in spring or fall and replant to a new site. Multiple sturdy stems have whorls of bold attractive foliage. In mid-summer, plants are topped with a frothy crown of rounded mauve-pink flower clusters. Joe Pye weed is a favorite of many butterflies, skippers, moths and native bees. Several butterfly species can be found a flower cluster. The foliage is important to several moth species.

American Goldfinches, Carolina Wrens, Dark-Eyed Juncos, and Tufted Titmice are attracted to Joe Pye weed.