ExplorePlants

common selfheal

Prunella vulgaris

Common selfheal is a small plant with purple flowers that loves to grow in grassy places. It's known for its healing properties and can be found in many gardens and fields.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The common selfheal is a low-growing plant with square stems and opposing oval leaves. Its most striking feature is its dense, purplish-blue flower spikes, often appearing cone-like, making it distinct from many common lawn plants.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusPrunella
common selfheal
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
common selfheal

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even its young leaves and flowers can be added to salads!

In some cultures, it was believed to ward off evil spirits!

Its square stems instantly reveal it's a member of the mint family!

This resilient plant can thrive even when repeatedly mown!

Special abilities

Ability

Ground Hugger

Common selfheal has creeping stems that root at the nodes, allowing it to spread efficiently and cover ground.

Ability

Pollinator Beacon

Common selfheal produces dense, nectar-rich flower spikes that act as a strong visual and food signal for many insects.

Ability

Herbal Helper

Common selfheal contains natural compounds that have traditionally been used to soothe minor skin irritations and wounds.

Measurements & details

Height
5-30 cm
Spread
15-45 cm
Flower Size
0.5-2 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to Fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen from its flowers

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

a frequent visitor to its dense flower spikes

eaten by

Groundhog

Marmota monax

often grazes on its leaves and stems

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

includes common selfheal in its varied diet

Traits

Also known as

AllhealHeal-all

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or picking any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common selfheal?

5-30 cm

How wide does common selfheal spread?

15-45 cm

How big are the flowers on common selfheal?

0.5-2 cm

When does common selfheal bloom?

Spring to Fall

Is common selfheal edible?

Yes

Is common selfheal toxic?

None

What is common selfheal's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common selfheal pollinated?

Insect

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