A handsome hardy perennial which grows to at least 2.1 m (7 ft.) tall, with purplish stems, whorls of slender, finely toothed ovate leaves and dense, domed corymbs of purple-pink flowers in late summer to autumn. (It makes a magnificent plant for the border and is often sold as an ornamental.)
History and traditions
Joe Pye is said to have been a traditional healer from New England, with a reputation for successful cures, who swore by E. purpureum, using it in his remedies. The name gravel root pertains to the herb’s ability to clear urinary stones, for which it is still used today, and Queen of the meadows is because the massed plants, when in flower, are a truly splendid sight.
Growth
Grows best in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade or sun. Propagated by seed sown in containers in spring, or by division when dormant.
Parts used
Rhizomes, roots dried for use in decoctions and tinctures.
Uses
Medicinal
It has a restorative, cleansing action, mainly used in modern herbal medicine for kidney and urinary disorders, including stone, cystitis and prostate problems. Also used for painful menstruation, rheumatism and gout.
