Spotted Joe Pye Weed is derived from a plant native to eastern North America. The common name refers to the purple spots on the dark green stems of the plant. A tall, architectural plant, it grows to about nine feet in height and 4 feet in width. In late summer and early fall it bears purplish pink flowers on flat flower heads. The flowers are a magnet for birds and butterflies and so this plant is loved by naturalists and those seeking a native garden. While adaptable to soil type it prefers soils that are consistently moist, even clay. It is a dramatic plant for the back of a border, as a statement plant or as part of a rain garden.