Eutrochium purpureum , commonly known as purple Joe-Pye weed or sweet-scented joe pye weed, is an herbaceous perennial plant in the family Asteraceae. Perfect for shady butterfly gardens, Sweet Joe Pye Weed thrives in semi-shade and woodland edges, as well as in full sun. The large pink flowers are a favorite nectar source for Monarchs, Swallowtails and many other butterflies. The textured foliage looks good all summer long. "Sweet Joe" is an excellent, well-behaved garden plant with a shallow fibrous root that won't interfere with other garden perennials. A great contributor whether massed, naturalized or in the border garden. It is native to eastern and central North America, from Ontario east to New Hampshire and south as far as Florida, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. The flowers are visited by honeybees, bumblebees, and other long-tongued bees. Butterflies, skippers, moths also visit the flowers. Mammals typically steer away from this plant due to its bitter taste, but will consume it if nothing else is available. Seeds, photos and description from Prairie Moon Nursery