Prunella vulgaris - Selfheal - (Lamiaceae)

This low creeping perennial is a member of the mint family, and it is common and widespread throughout the UK and Ireland. The common name refers to the plant having been used as a treatement for wounds and bruises until quite recently.

Selfheal

Self-heal grows in meadows, in hedgerows and in ditches, and is very tolerant of poor soils. It will even persist in grass paths subject to frequent walking. In places where it has to compete with other taller plants it can grow up to 30 cm in height.

Closeup of Selfheal

The first flowers appear in June, and in some sheltered places self-heal continues flowering until the first frosts of winter arrive.

The photographs on this page were taken at Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales in June.