Hollow Joe Pye Weed, a member of the Aster family, does have a mostly hollow central stem and is the largest of the Joe-Pye weeds, making for easy identification. It also boasts a dark-purple to off-white central stem. Hollow Joe Pye Weed prefers full-partial sun and wet to medium soil conditions. Hollow Joe Pye Weed can tolerate many soil types. Temporary standing water is tolerated.  Typical habitats include wet sand prairies, seeps, soggy thickets, and shorelines.

The flowers are visited by honeybees, bumblebees, and other long-tongued bees. Butterflies, skippers, moths also visit the flowers. Mammals typically steer away from this plant due to its bitter taste, but will consume it if nothing else is available.