joe-pye weed

[ joh-pahy weed ]

noun

1. Also called pur·ple bone·set [pur, -p, uh, l , bohn, -set]. a tall composite weed, Eupatorium purpureum, of North America, having clusters of pinkish or purple flowers.
2. Also called spotted joe-pye weed. a tall composite weed, Eupatorium maculatum, of North America, having clusters of pinkish or purple flowers and stems that are often spotted with purple.

joe-pye weed

/ ˈdʒəʊˈpaɪ /

noun

1. any of several North American plants of the genus Eupatorium, esp E. purpureum, having pale purplish clusters of flower heads lacking rays: family Asteraceae (composites)

Word History and Origins

Origin of joe-pye weed¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of joe-pye weed¹

C19: of unknown origin