Life cycle: Perennial
Eutrochium maculatum
This North American native grows in sand prairies, sedge meadows, marshes, fens, and swampy thickets of the northeast and upper Midwest. It prefers full to part sun, moist conditions and rich, humusy calcareous soils. It grows 4-6 feet tall and produces fluffy, pink clusters of flowers in mid to late summer that attract butterflies, honey bees and wild bees. Recommended for home gardens, meadow gardens, and pollinator conservation. Also an excellent addition to rain gardens and bioswales.
A beautiful, dominating native perennial flower, spotted joe pye weed is named for the spots on its stem. Plants grow to five feet tall or more, and clumps up to 4 feet wide can develop over many years. It flowers prolifically between July and September, providing high value for pollinators. It's a tall wet-meadow-loving plant. 
According to Plants for a Future: "A tea made from the whole herb is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of kidney complaints, painful urination, rheumatism, etc. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer before the flower buds open, and are dried for later use. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of fevers, colds, kidney and liver complaints, etc. It is said to have a tonic effect on pregnant women and is also said to induce sweating. Externally, a decoction of the roots is used as a wash on rheumatic joints. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use."
Flowers and seeds can be used to make red and pink dyes.
GROWING TIPS: Cold-moist stratify seed for 30 days or direct seed in fall. Prefers moist soil, but can handle a well-watered garden.