The jury seems to still be out on whether Self-Heal is a native plant in North America. Some sources claim yes, others claim the plant was native to Europe and introduced here. Regardless, the little herb is widespread now. It can be found from New Mexico to Alaska and from California to Newfoundland…as well as Lummi Island.
Other names include Prunella, Heal-All, Heart of the Earth and Carpenter’s Plant
It is in the mint family and has been used in both North America and Europe as a soothing agent for various throat issues and as the name “Carpenter’s Plant” suggests…it was also used to sooth and heal cuts and abrasions. Its leaves contain high levels of an antioxidant and also makes a tasty salad addition….your one stop shopping plant.
It blooms well into fall and its flowers are often visited by butterflies and bees.
The plant seems to grow well in spreading patches of its own company so where you find one you will often find many.
This plant was photographed mid-July and can be found in the meadows of the Curry Preserve flowering from June through October.
“The Book of the Flower Fairies” by Cicely Mary Barker was originally published in 1923 and was reprinted in 1997. In it, there is a delightful illustration of the Self-Heal Fairy hard at work….
Dal Neitzel