‘Little Joe’ is a more compact cultivar than the species, typically growing in a clump to 3-4’ tall and to 1-3’ wide. It was discovered growing among a population of seedlings of this species at a Conard-Pyle Nursery in Pennsylvania. Exact parentage of this cultivar is unknown. U.S. Plant Patent PP16,122 was issued on November 15, 2005. Patent documents reveal that this cultivar is primarily distinguished from the straight species by: (1) stiffer, more upright, and more compact growth habit, (2) more compact inflorescences typically colored light lavender, and (c) greater drought tolerance.

height 3-4, sun to partial shade

Height: 3.00 to 4.00 feet

Spread: 1.00 to 3.00 feet

Eutrochium dubium is perhaps the next most popular Joe-Pye because of its small and manageable stature. It also is extremely heat and drought tolerant. As a coastal wetland plant, it has some resistance to salt, which makes it good for roadside ditches or raingardens. Despite its narrow natural distribution, this species, like other coastal plain plants (Clethra, Itea), has become widely used. Its cultivars ‘Little Joe’ and ‘Baby Joe’, being even smaller, have perhaps eclipsed ‘Gateway’ as a garden standard.