Meet Joe, the Weed

"Joe-Pye weed": it's an interesting name, isn't it? Upon hearing the name of this plant, the first question many people will ask is, Is Joe-Pye weed named after a person? The answer is yes -- on two counts. Let me explain....

Joe Pye was an herb doctor in colonial America. But in addition, the genus name for Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium) also derives from a person; in fact, from a famous king of the ancient world.

But there's something troubling, too, about the name, "Joe-Pye weed." The "weed" part of the moniker is most unfortunate: don't let it deceive you into thinking that Joe-Pye weed is an unattractive and/or undesirable plant. Far from it! Click the link below to learn some of the reasons why you should consider growing Joe-Pye weed in the landscape.

Read article: Joe-Pye Weed

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• Weed Identification