Prunella vulgaris | <\/i>Common Self-heal<\/p>\n
Self-heal, Heal-all, All-heal, or Heart-of-the-Earth, is a perennial herb native to Europe, but this classic meadow plant has been naturalized throughout Asia, Japan and the United States. It’s a low growing, sprawling plant in the wild, usually only reaching 6-8 inches, but in the garden it can grow to be over two feet tall with abundant blooms of its unique purple flowers. Blooming all summer and into fall Self-heal attracts butterflies, bees (particularly bumble bees), and other pollinators.<\/p>\n
Prefers a partly sunny spot with plenty of moisture, such as damp ditches and pastures, rainy coastal bluffs, and forest clearings, but does fine in many other conditions too.<\/p>\n
Seeds can be direct sown in fall or spring, or started indoors and then planted out. Can spread by shallow rhizomes, but not to the point of being invasive.<\/p>\n
This mint family herb is edible. The leaves and flowers contain high levels of antioxidants, and they can be used in salads, soups, stews, or boiled as a pot herb. Self-heal was once used for a wide variety of health ailments and has a storied history among Native Americans.<\/p>\n
Type: Perennial<\/p>\n
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade<\/p>\n
Mature height: 6-24 inches<\/p>\n
Mature width: 6-9 inches<\/p>\n
Hardiness zones: 4- 9<\/p>\n
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Check out this great video from The Herbal Jedi:<\/p>\n