The Eupatorium cannabinum is a genus from the aster or sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae) and is commonly named Joe Pye weed, hemp agrimony or holy rope. This Joe Pye weed is native to Europe and found along riverbanks, marshes and other damp or wet places.

Cannabinum refers to the fact that the leaves resemble those of a cannabis plant or hemp.

This perennial spontaneously occurred in my garden. It chose a very dry, part shaded spot at the foot of a purple beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’) and grows just fine.

The light pink flowers produce a lot of nectar and therefore attract a lot of bees, butterflies and other insects. The flowers can also be used for bouquets. After the bloom seeds are developed attached to a sort of parachute (pappus) which are distributed by the wind.

The Eupatorium cannabinum slowly spreads with short rhizomes. The stems are sturdy and stay upright. It is best to cut back the dead, old stems in early spring to make room for the new growth.

 

 

Attracts bees: yes

Characteristic: newly emerging every year

Deer resistant: yes

Exposure: sun/ part shade

Flower color: pink

Flowering time: July – September

Foliage color: green

Fragrant flower: no

Hardiness: -25 ºC (-13 ºF)

Height: 5 feet (1.5 m)

Soil: normal/moist