Barbed skullcap is native to southeast Asia including China and Taiwan, often growing on the edges of rice paddies. The fresh plant is used as a vulnerary to help heal wounds and as an anti-inflammatory for swollen tissue. Researchers are investigation its affects against certain types of cancerous tumors.
This hardy perennial herb in the mint family bears purple-blue flowers on stalks about two feet tall. Skullcap likes moist soil and sunny locations in the garden.