Common Self-Heal
The groundcover that heals and feeds
Scientific Name: Prunella vulgaris
Plant Type: Native Perennial
Alberta’s native self-heal creates low-growing mats (4-12” wide) of dark green leaves, which bloom with short spikes of tubular purple-violet flowers from June to September. This herb is known as self-heal because of its historical medicinal properties, but for pollinators, it’s the reliable summer nectar bar they adore.
What gardeners love about it:
Extremely attractive to pollinators - especially native bees, honeybees and butterflies - it’s one of the best small nectar producers.
Tolerant of a wide variety of conditions and generally resistant to deer and rabbits. It can spread to fill spaces, but it’s easily removed where it’s not wanted.
It is hardy for zone 4-9, resilient to Alberta’s winters and can withstand traffic, mowing, and poor-quality soil.
This plant thrives in challenging areas, including lawns, spaces between paving stones, slopes, and sites with limited root run.
Edible and medicinal properties - its leaves and flowers can be used in teas or salads and the plant is traditionally used as a healing herb.
Requirements:
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Type: Adaptable (Clay, Loam, Sand, Gravel)
Water Needs: Low to Moderate
Care Tip:
Common self-heal will spread via seeds and short runners to form a dense living mulch. If you do not want this plant to spread, pinch off the flowers before it sets seed. Mow it down for shorter growth or let it spread for a living ground cover that helps suppress weeds.
Example Photo: Jesse Taylor | CC BY-SA 3.0
