Gravel root, also known as trumpet weed, is a North American woodland
herb that is related to the sunflower and dandelion. However, this plant
reaches an average of five feet in height and produces clusters of
highly fragrant pink or light purple flowers.
Gravel root is known by several other common names, some of which are
indicative of the herb’s historical use like kidney root. One common
name, Joe Pye weed, arises from a Native American man named Jopi, who is
credited with using a tonic made from gravel root to help colonists
survive a break out of typhoid fever.
