Herb: Joe Pye Weed


Latin name: Eupatorium maculatum


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Joe Pye Weed:

A tea made from the whole herb is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of kidney complaints, painful urination, rheumatism etc. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer before the flower buds open, and are dried for later use. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of fevers, colds, kidney and liver complaints, rheumatism etc. It is said to have a tonic effect upon pregnant women and is also said to induce sweating. Externally, a decoction of the roots is used as a wash on rheumatic joints. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Damp thickets, meadows, shores etc, usually on rich or calcareous soils from Quebec and southwards.

Other uses of Joe Pye Weed:

The stems have been used as straws.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Cultivation of Joe Pye Weed:

Damp thickets, meadows, shores etc, usually on rich or calcareous soils from Quebec and southwards.

Known hazards of Eupatorium maculatum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.