Eupatorium hyssopifolium, or hyssopleaf thoroughwort, is a finely textured native perennial with aromatic leaves and soft white flower clusters. Airy and graceful, this species adds movement and lightness to native plantings while supporting a wide range of pollinators.
Height & Spread: 2 - 4 ft x 2 - 3 ft
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Dry to medium sandy or rocky soils
Watering Needs: Low to medium
Deer Resistance: High
NATIVE STATUS
Naturally occurs in sandy prairies pine barrens dry fields and open woodlands across the eastern and southeastern United States.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
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Offers a late season nectar source for butterflies including monarchs skippers and painted ladies during migration and fall feeding.
Bees
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Visited by a wide range of native bees including sweat bees and small carpenter bees that rely on its late blooms for pollen and nectar.
Insects
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Supports hover flies parasitic wasps and predatory insects that contribute to pollination and pest management.
Wildlife
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Its structure and dense foliage provide light cover for insects and small animals while contributing to seasonal habitat layers in natural gardens.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 30 in apart to allow for mature width and to prevent crowding in well drained soils.
Landscape Placement
- Best suited to dry meadows open native borders pollinator plantings and restoration projects. Its delicate form and extended bloom season make it ideal for softening edges and filling in between taller prairie species.
COMPANION PLANTS
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Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod) - a compact golden blooming native that thrives in similar dry soils and blooms alongside Eupatorium.
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Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple Lovegrass) - a fine textured grass with soft purple seed heads that echo the delicate look of hyssopifolium.
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Symphyotrichum patens (Spreading Aster) - a low growing fall blooming aster that complements the airy flowers of Eupatorium.
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Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - a sun loving perennial with yellow blooms and feathery foliage that blends well in dry sandy settings.
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Liatris squarrosa (Scaly Blazing Star) - an early blooming native with bold texture that adds contrast before Eupatorium begins to flower.
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Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint) - a fragrant pollinator favorite with similar fine foliage and a long blooming window.