Eupatorium maculatum is a large clumping perennial that injects architectural interest into the late summer landscape. This robust wildflower has multiples of sturdy stems with whorls of bold attractive foliage. In mid-summer, plants are topped with a frothy crown of rounded mauve-pink flower clusters. This species thrives in sunny moist sites where it is frequented by fluttering butterflies.
Eupatorium maculatum is an upright sturdy perennial with unbranched purple spotted pubescent stems. Plants can form small colonies from underground rhizomes.
The stems are clothed in large deep green toothed lance shaped leaves usually arranged in whorls of 5. The bold leaves are large – up to 12” long.
From mid-summer until autumn, plants bear terminal flat topped flower corymbs that are usually about 7” across. The flower clusters consist of many small feathery lavender-pink disc florets.
The blossoms mature into soft buff colored seed clusters that are attractive into the winter.
Plants are usually 5’ tall or less.