Habitat: The plant grows easily in a variety of soils from moist, fertile, and humus rich to sandy or gravelly and in full sun to partial shade. Late summer mauve flowers. This short Joe-Pye species fits well in traditional gardens. You can cut the plant back to the ground in winter and it will rebound in spring.
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract many butterflies and bees such as swallowtails, fritillaries, skippers, bumblebees, and carpenter bees. The seeds provide food for songbirds. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees
Notes: Can be used in container garden but don't let it dry out. Gets tall, reaching 3 to 6 feet high and 2 to 4 feet wide. However, dwarf varieties exist for use in smaller spaces. Plant spreads by self-seeding