The small light pink flowered ones are Bouncing Bet (Saponaria Officinalis).

I think the purple one is self-heal.

:)

Hi Proudgm,
This is from my wildflower book. Now remember there are different names in each state. This is from wi wildflower book. The one is thin leaved rudbeckia (Rubeckia triloba) Can grow up to 100 heads on the plant. Leaf type is simple and simple lobed. The leaf attachment is alternate.

The Other one looks like Woodland sunflower. (Helianthus spp.) Simple leaf type with the leaf attachment being opposite. We have them both growing in Wi also. According to my book bouncing bet she is.....Darn it I cant find the other one. It must not like WI snow....lol I hope this helps you..... Barb

A little tidbit...

Bouncing Bet is also known as Saponaria, the name coming from the French and Latin 'savon' meaning soap. If you take the leaves and rub betwen your hands or fingers, the juices from the plant will act as soap.

Id be interested in seeds from the Saponaria, I have several things from your wish list. let me know when the seeds are ready to pick and hopefully we can work it out.

:)
Doris

Doris send me an email in a few weeks to see if I have seeds yet.

Whatever that first one is it grows in my backyard and is very invasive. VERY invasive. I mistook it for something else and let it grow in one of my beds, by the time I realized my mistake it was everywhere.

The first one is definitely Selfheal. I recognize that seed head. I hear it makes a nice lawn. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Selfheal

Thought you might like to read this:

History and Uses:Heal All,All Heal and Self Heal

Prunella, a powerfully astringent herb, is also known by many names including Heal All, All Heal and Self Heal, and as most of these alternate names imply, this plant was used extensively as a healing herb, particularly when used topically to stanch the bleeding of wounds. In poultice form, it was also used to treat bruises, burns, sprains, cuts and hemorrhoids. Prunella was also used as a mouthwash for sores and gum problems, as well as a gargle for sore throat and thrush. It was also used in a douche for leukorrhea.

The herb is often useful for treating liver disorders, and it has been prescribed by herbalists in cases of jaundice, hepatitis and general weakness of the liver. Prunella is beneficial for limited internal bleeding and can also be valuable in cases of diarrhea, flatulence and gastritis, as well as the expulsion of intestinal parasites. Prunella is believed to have antibacteria and strong antiviral properties; and in the treatment of Grave's disease, the herb has been effective in combination with Bugleweed.

Prunella is also high in antioxidants, and it has been made into a tea with Oregano as an immune system booster.Constituents of Prunella include essential oil, Rutin, tannic acid, beta-carotene and vitamins B-1, C and K. The herb has had some success in treating vertigo, hypertension, gout and conjunctivitis. Prunella is truly one of the most versatile, safe and effective of nature's medicinal plants.

Prunella Vulgaris Folklore and History:

The common name "self-heal" derives from the use of some species to treat a range of minor disorders. It is reported to have an antiseptic and antibacterial effect, and to be particularly good in cases of food poisoning. In the Pacific Northwest, its juice was used by the Quinault and the Quileute on boils. They also used the whole plant to treat cuts and inflammations. Some people even fixed it with grease to form an ointment. It is also used as an herbal drink in China to treat minor bodily disorders.

Prunella Vulgaris was once proclaimed to be a Holy herb and thought to be sent by God to cure all ailments of man or beast, and said to drive away the devil, which lead to the belief that Heal-All was grown in the Witches garden as a disguise.
The root was used to make a tea to drink in ceremonies before going hunting by one Native American tribe to sharpened the powers of observation.

Prunella Vulgaris Edible Uses:

Edible Parts: Leaves.
Edible Uses: Drink.
Leaves - raw or cooked. They can be used in salads, soups, stews etc. Somewhat bitter due to the presence of tannin in the leaves, though this can be removed by washing the leaves. A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves is used as a refreshing beverage. Very tasty.
Self-heal is a mint relation, and as with all the other mints, if you plant it once, you never have to plant it again. Incredibly vigorous, the plant spreads by underground stems that shoot out in every direction once the first root is stuck in the ground. If there is anything to the doctrine of signatures, prunella should make anyone who takes it into his or her body stronger than an ox.
In the southern United States, ground-hog plantain, or square weed as it is called, is collected in the spring as a tonic plant. It is also eaten as a spinach substitute, prepared in a big pot with a piece of hog meat by cooks who follow the traditional southern style or with a little vegetable oil by more modern cooks concerned with the bad publicity animal fats have received in recent years.
Prunella Vulgaris is an edible and medicinal herb, and can be used in salads, soups, stews, or boiled as a pot herb.Used as an alternative medicine for centuries on just about every continent in the world, and for just about every ailment known to man, Heal-All is something of a panacea, it does seem to have some medicinal uses that are constant.
An olive-green dye is obtained from the flowers and stems. The plant is a good ground-cover in sunny positions or light shade.The mildly bitter leaves are also good as salad greens.

Rosebush,
That is some wonderful information. Some of it not so pleasant. LOL I bet the pharm companies are researching it as we speak.....Thanks for sharing this..... Barb

Self-heal/all-heal is currently used in a salve for cold sores by some herbalists. I just love reading the history of herbal remedies, and have collected numerous herbs as a result. Weird and wild stuff! :)
I also have soapwort and have found it to be even more invasive than the self-heal in this area. Nice flowers, but catch those seeds before they spread!