Native Plants

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Cressler, Alan

Prunella vulgaris

Prunella vulgaris L.

Common Selfheal

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PRVU

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), HI (I), CAN (NI), SPM (N)

This low, perennial is easily recognized by its erect, many-flowered spikes and associated, overlapping, hairy bracts. The square stem has dense, cylindrical, terminal spikes of purple flowers; the spikes elongate after flowering. It is often considered a weed of lawns and moist shady spots. A form that flowers when only 2" (5 cm) tall has become common in lawns. Its common name derives from wide use as a herbal remedy for throat ailments.

From the Image Gallery

47 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Leaf: Gray-Green
Fruit: Nutlets.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AK , AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , HI , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WY
Canada: BC , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Throughout much of North America, except far north.
Native Habitat: Gardens, fields, roadsides.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Conditions Comments: Its favorite habitat includes moist fields, gardens, pastures and along woodland edges in the eastern and southern portions of Texas. It can be grown most anywhere, with a little extra water in very dry conditions. In very hot areas, give it a spot that is protected from the hot afternoon sun.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Self-heal is a favorite of bumblebees and butterflies.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Clouded sulphur butterfly
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Clouded Sulphur
(Colias philodice)

Larval Host

Learn more at BAMONA

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Native host plants for Painted Lady Butterfly
June 01, 2006
I am looking for host plants for the Painted Lady Butterfly that I can plant in my school's (I am a teacher) native plant/butterfly garden. As part of the curriculum, each spring the 1st grade raises...
view the full question and answer

Medicinal plants at the Wildflower Center
April 19, 2006
What kinds of medicinal plants do you have at the Wildflower Center?
view the full question and answer

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FAC	FAC	FACU		FACU	FAC	FACU	FAC	FAC	FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Pineywoods Native Plant Center - Nacogdoches, TX
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Bibliography

Bibref 1207 - Earth Medicine, Earth Food (1990) Michael A. Weiner

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Prunella vulgaris in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Prunella vulgaris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Prunella vulgaris

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-12-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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