Prunella vulgaris aka Self Heal

Prunella vulgaris is a low perennial known as selfheal or all-heal. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range spans temperate and subtropical parts of the Northern Hemisphere. That range extends south into Central America. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Wild plants grow in grassland, waste ground, and woodland edges. These sites often have neutral or alkaline soil.

Selfheal spreads across the ground and forms a low mat. Its creeping stems take root as they grow. The RHS describes plants about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. Its garden size range reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] in height and spread. Plants may take two to five years to reach full size. The leaves are oblong or egg-shaped. The plant keeps some of its leaves through winter. Short flower spikes stand upright above the creeping growth.

The tubular flowers are deep violet, with pink or white forms less frequent. They appear in summer and continue into early autumn. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from July through October. Bees and other helpful insects visit the flowers. The plant also draws birds and butterflies. Its low growth suits beds, borders, and wildlife gardens. It can cover banks and slopes or grow beneath roses and shrubs. The stems and flowers also yield an olive-green dye.

Grow selfheal in full sun or a site with partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Moist soil suits it, though the RHS lists several drainage conditions. Chicago Botanic Garden lists moderate water needs and USDA zones 3–7. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. It is easy to grow and has few pest or disease problems. Its spreading growth can become invasive in gardens. Removing spent flowers helps limit plants that grow from seed. Grow new plants from seed or divide an existing clump.

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They can go into salads, soups, and stews. Tannins give them a bitter taste, which washing can reduce. Fresh or dried leaves can also make a cold drink. Selfheal has a history of folk use for wounds and sores. People have also used it in teas for several ailments. These uses do not establish that it works as a treatment. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards.