This Spotted Joe-Pye-Weed is one of the more common species that are not that different from each other, including the Sweet and the Hollow Joe-Pyes. This species usually has 4 to 5 leaves whorled around the stems at each junction (node). The stems are usually either purple spotted or are totally purple in color and are solid inside in cross section. This species is found growing in moist to wet soils, usually in full sun. Its native range is from New England through all Michigan into all Minnesota down into much of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania into New Jersey then down in some spots in the Appalachians to northern Georgia. It makes a good tall, upright garden perennial that is easy and reliable. It has shallow, fibrous roots and can be divided and reset if ever needed or propagated that way. It is sold by some native plant nurseries. The most common cultivar of 'Gateway' is often sold by conventional nurseries. This cultivar is more compact and bushier than the mother species.

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