"Eutrochium maculatum is an herbaceous native perennial wildflower, commonly known as Joe Pye Weed or Queen of the Meadow, that is useful as a tall plant in wet spaces. It displays clusters of purple blossoms through summer into fall. Joe Pye Weed prefers moist to wet soil and does best in sun to partial shade. This plant is resistant to damage by deer. It does best in average, medium to wet soils in full sun, but tolerates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. You can cut the plants to the ground in late winter. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This plant often forms small clonal colonies. You can divide the plant in spring or fall and replant to a new site.

"You can tell the difference between this plant and Eutrochium fistulosum by cutting a stem near the base of the plant.  Eutrochium maculatum has solid pith running through the stem and Eutrochium fistulosum is hollow toward the base of the plant, filling out as the pith reaches the top of the stem." (North Carolina Extension)