Hollow Joe pye weed
Eutrochium fistulosum
Asteraceae · [VERIFY] · introduced
Last updated
Tall, erect perennial to 4 to 7 feet with coarsely serrated, lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls on sturdy, hollow green stems. Tiny vanilla-scented, dull pinkish-purple flowers appear in large, domed, compound inflorescences in mid-summer.
Prefers moist, fertile, humus-rich soils in full sun to part shade; tolerates average soils if moisture is consistent. Butterfly and pollinator magnet; dramatic architectural presence for back borders, cottage gardens, meadows, and water margins.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Hollow Joe pye weed typically reaches beginning of flowering at 6983 GDD₃₂, predicted around Nov 5.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 4,589 |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 4,610 |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 4,651 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 4,688 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 4,724 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 4,728 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | Pre-season | Beginning of flowering | 4,811 |
View full calendar (1 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NEXT | 6983 | — est. Nov 5 (avg) |
Source: UMD phenology catalog (UMD: extension.umd.edu) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.