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Closeup of the purple flower of self-heal (Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata) in a meadow. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon
A population of purple flowering self-heal plants (Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata). One of approximately species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon
Super closeup of the purple flower of self-heal (Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon
Full flowering form of self-heal (Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon
Dried brown seed head of self-heal (Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon
Many purple flowers of self-heal (Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata) in a meadow. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon

Self-Heal

Prunella vulgaris var. lanceolata

If you love bumblebees, you’ll love self-heal. This charming meadow species is both hardy and adaptable. It grows quickly, persists for many years, and is compact so it can be easily squeezed into small spaces where low growing plants are desired. It is highly attractive to many native bees, especially bumblebees. True to its name, it is widely recognized as a powerful and versatile plant medicine. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 12-18" tall, 6-12" wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, part sun/part shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry to moist soil
  • Bloom time: May - September (May - July in the Portland Metro area)
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growing, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar to adult butterflies, bees (especially bumblebees) and other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and other pest eating insects
  • Native habitat/range: commonly grows in disturbed soils such as pasturelands and roadsides, as well as moist edges of forests. Prunella vulgaris is circumboreal, meaning different subspecies and varieties are common throughout boreal regions of North America and Eurasia. Portland Plant List - yes.
  • Special features & uses: groundcover; deer-resistant; drought-tolerant; highly medicinal; landscape uses include meadowscapes, pollinator gardens, green roofs and eco-lawns

Gardening with Self Heal: Self-heal is a resilient groundcover that will flourish in a variety of light and moisture conditions. It’s often found in eco-lawn seed mixes, due to its low growing stature. It can spread quickly and tolerates being stepped on as well as mowed, though we recommend mowing infrequently while it’s flowering as to not eliminate its pollinator value. 

Seed Sowing instructions: Sowing in fall or early spring is ideal, to take advantage of winter rains. Stratification is not needed, so late spring or summer sowing is possible, if supplemental water is provided throughout the first summer. Broadcast seeds on prepared, weed-free soil approx 60 seeds/sq ft or a small “pinch” per small pot. Either leave on the surface or gently rake in very shallowly. Often requires one year of growth before it blooms. Each packet contains approximately 300 seeds

Photo Credits 1 & 6 (flower in field, wild population): © David Matthew, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 2 (garden population): Karli Del Biondo, Beetles and Bees

Photo Credit 3 (flower close): © Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 4 & 5 (flowering habit, seed head): © John A Haskins, some rights reserved (CC-BY)