Purple Joe-pye-weed

Eutrochium purpureum

Pollinator Value

🐛 Larval Host: Papaipema cataphracta, Eupithecia miserulata
S13+S15 2 verified Eastern NA

Proximity Score: 2
Native Status: ❌ Outaouais ❌ Ottawa ❌ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: SE
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.3 – Atlantic Highlands, 5.3.1 – Northern Appalachians and Atlantic Maritime Highlands
Rarity Notes: Apparently Secure (S4) in Ontario; nationally ranked N4 in Canada. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. Range extends from southern New Hampshire to Georgia, west to Minnesota and Oklahoma. In Canada, native only to Ontario and Manitoba.
S22+S1+S26
Rarity Ranks: ON S4 – Apparently Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: Inhabits moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, and partially shaded riverbanks. In Michigan, typically found in rich floodplain and upland forests under beech-maple or oak canopy with Tilia, Ulmus, and Acer rubrum. Prefers light shade to dappled sun on rich loamy soils; populations decline under dense canopy closure.
S10+S7+S4

Roles: Fortress/Barrier, Insectary Plant, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: spines? (supporting signal only)] | Insectary Plant: S64 NPPBI 'beneficial insects' flag] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]
Notes: Excellent woodland garden companion. Tolerates juglone, making it suitable for planting under or near black walnut. Michigan Flora records it growing with Onoclea sensibilis, Arisaema triphyllum, and Clematis virginiana in floodplain settings. Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation and school gardens.
S3+S7

Category: Tonic
S61 Ojibwa used root tea as strengthening wash
Notes: The Ojibwa used a strong tea made of the root as a strengthening wash for infants (Go Botany). The genus Eupatorium (syn.) has a broader history in traditional medicine as a diaphoretic and tonic, though specific modern uses for E. purpureum are limited.
S61

✅ Edible

Foraging Notes: The Cherokee used the ash of the roots as a salt substitute for flavoring foods (Go Botany). This is a historical ethnobotanical use, not a modern culinary plant.
S61