Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Self heal is a low growing plant with oval leaves and bluish or violet flowers that appear in dence, oblong clusters on the tops of its stems. Self heal is widely found throughout the UK

Uses

Generally used as part of a perennial meadow mixture.

Persistence

It is a hardy perennial species.

Strengths

It is a low growing, creeping species, that may be useful if a low growing sward height is required.

Sowing Rate Advice

1 gram per m2

Ideal Sowing Time

Sow in autumn or spring.

Management

The plant can struggle in swards dominated by tall growing grasses or other dominant wild flowers, especially if the area is not cut or managed regularly.

Distinguishing characteristics

Seed
This is a very small seed, with an oblong shape, that tapers to a blunt point. It is dark brown and shiny and is generally no more than 2mm in length.

Seedling
The seedling has a pair of shallow heart shaped seedlings, with a blunt, notched tip. The first true leaves are similarly heart or club shaped.

Flowering Plant
This is a low growing, downy species with square stems. The leaves are rounded and oval, on short stalks. Its rooting system has a creeping habit. The flowers are arranged in a spikelike inflorescence, usually purple to violet in colour.

Additional Info

Flowers from June - September. This species reaches a maximum height of around 30cm. As is suggested by the name, Self Heal has a long history of being used in herbal medicine, from treating heart disease, wounds, sore throats and stopping bleeding.

You can find Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris) in the following mixtures

• Cotswold Wild Flora
• Meadow Over-Seeding Just Wild Flowers
• Chalk & Limestone Soil Mixture
• Acid & Clay Soil Mixture
• Damp Meadow
• Woodland Edge and Shady Area Mixture