Photo by Gary Kurtz
Sweet Joe-Pye Weed is an erect, clump-forming plant that typically grows 5 to 7 feet tall. It features domed clusters of vanilla-scented, rich pink-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves are whorled, lance-shaped, and toothed, emitting a vanilla scent when bruised. The stems are green with purple nodes. Sweet Joe-Pye Weed prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate clay and wet soils but does not thrive in dry conditions. This plant is often found in moist meadows, woodland edges, and along streams and ponds. (SF)