joe-pye weed

noun

ˈjō-ˈpī- How to pronounce joe-pye weed (audio)
: any of several tall North American perennial composite herbs (especially Eutrochium maculatum and E. purpureum) with whorled leaves and corymbose heads of typically purplish tubular flowers

Examples of joe-pye weed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many species of caterpillars exclusively eat milkweed leaves, and butterflies consume nectar from natives, including wild bergamots, yarrows and joe-pye weed. — Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joe-pye weed was in 1818

Rhymes for joe-pye weed

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Joe Miller
joe-pye weed
joe rocker
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Cite this Entry

“Joe-pye weed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joe-pye%20weed. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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