Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata

Common Self-heal

Common Self-heal
aka Common Heal-all, Hook-heal, Carpenter’s Herb, Sickle-wort. The widepread use historically for healing purposes gives rise to the common name. Northwest native peoples crushed it to make skin ointments. Also used to treat wounds. Standing 4″ – 8″ (10 -20 cm) tall the stems terminate with a thick spike of unique hooded purple flowers and dark bracts. Like all mints the stem is square shaped in cross-section. Usually found along roadsides, clearings and forest edges to 4,000′ elevation.

Family:

Lamiaceae - MINT FAMILY

Genus:

Prunella from German word "quinsy", an illnes the plant treated

Species:

vulgaris means 'common'
Photo location: These photos of unfortunately poor quality were taken along the Westside Road near Fish Creek crossing.