Common Names
Bluestem Joe-pyeweed, gravelroot, green-stemmed Joe-pyeweed, hempweed, Indian gravelroot, Joe-pyeweed, jopiroot, jopiweed, kidneyroot, king-of-the-meadow, marsh milkweed, motherwort, niggerweed, purple boneset, purple thoroughwort, queen-of-the-meadow, quillwort, stinkweed, sweet Joe-pyeweed, tall boneset, trumpetweed.

Description
This perennial grows to 3 to 10 feet in height. Leaves are in two’s and five’s, and in whorls to 1 foot long; they are coarsely toothed, and smell like vanilla. Stem is solid in cross-section and tinged with purple. Heads of flowers range from creamy white to purple-tinged.

Flowering Period
July to September.

Habitat
Rich, dry to moist, chiefly calcareous woods.

Harvest
Rhizome in fall; leaves and flowering tops in summer and fall (Avoid coarse stems.)

Uses
This plant is used for urinary disorders. The roots and herb are diuretic, stimulant, tonic, and astringent. They were used by American Indians, who also used the fruit for red or pink dye.