Purple (woodland) Joe Pye weed, an attractive savanna forb

Purple Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum) is now in full bloom. This tall, handsome species is often seen in small amounts in southern Wisconsin woodlands, but proliferates substantially during savanna restoration. It is rarely seen in prairies.

We introduced this species into the various savannas as they were being restored. It became established with little difficulty, but has not "taken over" any areas. The photo here is of a small stand (three plants) growing in our ridge-top bur oak savanna (Unit 10).

This species is sometimes confused with E. maculatum, the common species of marshes and other wetlands. Occasionally, we find E. maculatum in a savanna, but I have never seen the reverse situation.