Prunella vulgaris

Prunella vulgaris is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) commonly known as common self-heal or heal-all.

Prunella vulgaris is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) commonly known as common self-heal or heal-all. It is a perennial herb native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia and now found across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America. The species is known for its medicinal folklore use and its small purple flowers. It is naturalized across much of Canada and is a familiar wild herb in lawns, fields, and moist disturbed habitats.

Description

Prunella vulgaris is a low-growing herbaceous perennial with opposite leaves and dense spikes of small flowers, usually blue-purple to violet. It is part of the mint family and shares several structural features typical of that group.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to temperate Europe and Asia and is widely distributed beyond its native range. It grows in moist grassland, disturbed ground, woodland edges, and lawns, and is naturalized in North America and other temperate areas.

Names and uses

Common English names include self-heal and heal-all, reflecting its long-standing role in traditional herbal medicine. It has been used in folk medicine in multiple regions, although those uses are not the same as established medical evidence.

Taxonomy

Prunella vulgaris is the type species of the genus Prunella. The genus is placed in the family Lamiaceae and includes several herbaceous species found mainly in temperate regions.