Butterfly Magnet

Joe Pye Weed is blooming and the butterflies are loving it. The tall, erect, vanilla-scented, dull pinkish-purple headed perennial is named after the native American who used the plant to cure fever.
This time of year when many plants are starting to look a little rough, Joe Pye Weed is at its peak. Although seen primarily on the roadside, JPW makes a wonderful addition to a fall perennial garden. It will grow almost anywhere, but it thrives in sun and a moist, rich soil. The plant is known botanically as Eupatorium and is a relative of the chrysanthemum.
I've seen JPW for sale in nurseries, (yes, I've even bought some), but I find the best (free) plants on the side of the road. So, if you see me pulled over with my shovel and bucket, toot your horn and wave.