Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Clouds of Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort flowers are more likely to float over NoVA* roadsides and meadows than residential landscapes. However, these pollinator magnets can tolerate many challenging home environments: dry, (partially) shaded areas, sunny slopes, “hell strips” and gardens near the seashore.

*It also is native in DC and concentrated in the extreme southeastern corner of PA. It is common in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont of DE and VA but rare in the mountains.

Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort) in February.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort) at Ballston Mall in August.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort) at Longwood Gardens in August.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort) in the Sunny Garden, Bon Air Park in September.
Photo © Mary Free
Scolia dubia wasp on Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort) flowers in September.
Photo © Mary Free

Print Version (Legal Size): Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort)Perennial Height: 1–3 feet Spread: 1–3 feet Bloom Color: White Characteristics Sparsely-branched, single-stemmed herbaceous perennial with clumping habit Finely textured whorled leaves Small tubular flowers arranged in flat-top clusters from July to October Flower-laden weaker stems may arch/flop over Spreads by underground rhizomes Attributes Tolerates salt; resists mildew Dried form provides winter interest and food (seeds) for birds Ethnobotanic uses Attracts a myriad of pollinators (wasps, bees, butterflies...) and other beneficial insects including predators and parasites of the brown marmorated stink bug (Penn State Extension) Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy preferred Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Cut to ground in late winter; dead-head when flowers fade to prevent re-seeding Use en masse in naturalistic settings, dry meadows, sunny slopes, “hell strips,” by the shore Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8 Excellent Replacement for: Buddleia species - Butterfly Bush (reported host of the brown marmorated stink bug) It also is native in DC and concentrated in the extreme southeastern corner of PA. It is common in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont of DE and VA but rare in the mountains. The blue-winged wasp, thread-waisted wasp (possibly grass-carrying wasp), honey bees, and red-banded hairstreak are among the many insects that frequent this plant.Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets