Hi Carol,
It is Joe Pye Weed. I don't think it would transplant well right now. I would wait for spring and get a piece then. Or you could get seeds later this year and wintersow some.
Remy

Remy - you just saved me $10 each at the nursery :-)

I'll try to get some seeds. Sure wish I could mix in some of the ragweed that is growing with them, but DH would kill me!!

Carol

Hi Carol,
Glad I could help. I have my computer ad blocker on right now so I can't see the pic, but I think I remember Goldenrod, not Ragweed in your photo. Ragweed would be hard to spot though it has small inconspicuous green ball flowers. I think that is why it is so evil! But if your husband thinks Goldenrod is Ragweed, it is sometimes hard to change that thought.
Anyway, another plant that is a relative of Joe Pye Weed is Boneset. It has white flowers instead of the pink. I have it growing in a pot in my pond. Lobelia would look good with the Joe Pye weed too.
Remy

Remy - You're probably right. I just assumed it was ragweed because DH is having quite a bout with hay fever. They sure look pretty together with the JPW!

I'll look into the Boneset and Lobelia. I have chocolate JPW in the wet corner now but it looks pretty bad. I need to do some serious weeding; the crabgrass is just horrendous.

Carol

Possibly if you explain to DH that Goldenrod and Ragweed grow in similar conditions and at the same time of year but that it is only the ragweed that causes the allergies , he will relent and allow some goldenrod with your Joe Pye.
A fried gave me a JPW plant about the same size as your photo a few years ago. I planted it in dry but fertile soil behind a rock and in full sun and it became huge....the standing joke among friends is that I keep my JPW on steroids. If you go to my page and click on my webpage site you can view it . It is pic 83103 and it is to the far right. Had to move the plant ....blocked too much view. Good luck with yours. Kareen

Kareen- Your JPW is magnificent, as is your entire yard!!

I found some small plants yesterday, about a foot high. I think I'll try transplanting a couple of them.

Remy, I'll let you know next spring if they survive.

Actually, it was just my assumption (ragweed) based on other peoples' comments when I lived in rural Ulster Co. many years ago. DH doesn't have a clue which is which.

Carol

Thanks Carol.

Just wanted to say, thanks for the info on Boneset. I have some growing and was thinking it looked just like Joe Pye Weed and that it was pretty and was debating on whether to try and transplant it or not (it's growing in a spot that will be completely redone this fall).

Hey guys...I've moved back up to the Rochester area (again) from Florida and I was wondering what Joe Pye Weed's status is. Do gardeners like it or is it shunned due to it being a "wild" plant?

I personally, driving through the area find it beautiful in the wet areas I see it in, but in the garden?

Educate me on this guy!

Thanks!

Mark