Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Prunella vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

refreshing beverage. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; They can be used in salads, soups, stews etc.; Somewhat bitter due to the presence of tannin in the leaves, though this can be removed by washing the leaves.; A cold water infusion of the freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves is used as a refreshing beverage.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste ground, grassland, woodland edges etc, usually on basic and neutral soils. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)