Eupatorium purpureum - Gravel Root

Family:	Compositae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	2
Width:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	Eastern N. America - New Hampshire to Minnesota, south to Florida and Oklahoma[187]..

Eupatorium purpureum (Gravel Root) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 2m and a width of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 4.
Gravel Root will flower in February to April. the seeds ripen from March to May
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Gravel Root will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Gravel Root prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Gravel Root can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Swampy and rich low ground and in woods, especially on calcareous soils[4, 21, 43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Suits a meadow

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil that is well-drained but moisture retentive in sun or part shade[200]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[187]. The bruised leaves have a vanilla-like odour[213]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Butterflies are attracted to this plant[187].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The roots have been burnt and their ashes used as salt to flavour foods[257].

• Salt - plants that provide a substitute for salt.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
Gravel root was used by the native N. American Indians as a diaphoretic to induce perspiration and break a fever. The plant was quickly adopted by the white settlers and still finds a use in modern herbalism[268]. The whole plant, but especially the root, is astringent, diuretic, nervine and tonic[4, 21, 165]. It works particularly on the genito-urinary system and the uterus[238]. Especially valuable as a diuretic and stimulant, as well as an astringent tonic[4], a tea made from the roots and leaves has been used to eliminate stones from the urinary tract, to treat urinary incontinence in children, cystitis, urethritis, impotence etc[222, 254, 268]. It is also said to be helpful in treating rheumatism and gout by increasing the removal of waste from the kidneys[254, 257]. The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer before the buds open and are dried for later use. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Nervine - Stimulates and calms the nerves.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[111]. Very easy, the clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The stems have been used as straws[257]. The fruits yield a pink or red textile dye[268].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.
• Straw - For drinking with.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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