Prunella vulgaris

PRUNELLA vulgaris
Self Heal, Heal-all

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Type:
Perennial

Height: 2-10" (5-25 cm)

Flowering Time: Summer, autumn

Flower Colour: Purple

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Botanical Classification:

Class:
Angiospermae (Angiosperms)

Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons)

Superorder: Asteridae (Daisy Superorder)

Order: Lamiales (Nettle Order)

Family: Lamiaceae (Nettle Family)

Genus: Prunella

Species: vulgaris (common)

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Prunella vulgaris is a very attractive wild flower and would be more welcome in gardens if it did not increase in size so easily by its rooting stems. It forms tight mats of dark green pointed leaves, almost prostrate in dry conditions but up to ten inches tall in amongst taller grasses in damper conditions. The stems are tough and woody, and the clusters of bright purple flowers are borne in a dense flat-topped spike. Leaves and bracts are often tinged purple.
The name Prunella is from Brunella, the German for quinsy, a disease the plant was said to cure.
Prunella vulgaris has been used in herbal medicine for many ailments, including kidney, liver and gall bladder problems, as a muscle relaxant, to lower fever, stop bleeding, and aid healing fo wounds.
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Harvesting and Growing from Seed:

Germination:
Autumn
Outside
(165 days)

Seed Pod There is no seed pod. The seeds are at the bottom of the calyx.
Seed The seeds are tiny dark brown nuts. There are four seeds from each flower.
Seedling The seedling has pointed leaves.

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				Germination: Autumn Outside (165 days)
Seed Pod There is no seed pod. The seeds are at the bottom of the calyx. Seed The seeds are tiny dark brown nuts. There are four seeds from each flower. Seedling The seedling has pointed leaves.