Prunella vulgaris aka Self Heal
Taxonomy ID: 7734
Prunella vulgaris, also known as common self-heal, heal-all, woundwort, heart-of-the-earth, carpenter's herb, brownwort, and blue curls, is a herbaceous plant in the mint family. It is a perennial wildflower that can grow from 5 to 30cm high with reddish stems that are tough, square, and self-rooting. This plant is found in anthropogenic habitats, meadows, fields, and along the shores of rivers or lakes.
Self-heal has been used in traditional medicine around the world due to its healing properties. The Algonquin of Quebec used it as a fever reducer, while the Nlaka'pamux drank a cold infusion of the whole plant as a common beverage. The young leaves and stems of self-heal are edible and can be eaten raw in salads. The plant can also be boiled and eaten as a potherb, and the aerial parts of the plant can be powdered and brewed in a cold infusion to make a beverage.
Self-heal is also useful as a host plant for the Clouded Sulphur butterfly. However, if you need to get rid of self-heal, killing it with a selective weedkiller is an option if you only have a few plants. The herbicide kills the plant at the root, increasing the chances of eliminating it the first time.
Common names
Self Heal, Heal All, CarpenterweedMore information about Self Heal
How difficult is it to take care of Self Heal
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Self Heal is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the region of origin of Self Heal
Self Heal’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa and temperate Asia.
What are the water needs for Self Heal
Self Heal should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Self Heal
Self Heal loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Self Heal
To ensure optimal growth, the Self Heal prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is Self Heal toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
More info:
Wikipedia