Prunella vulgaris seeds - Self-heal

Common Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is a native perennial plant possessing the charm of wildflowers and their ecological usefulness. Adorned with pretty violet-blue spikes from early summer, it forms a dense, slightly creeping groundcover that is non-invasive. This hardy and undemanding, medicinal and nectar-rich plant naturally finds a place in flowering meadows or lightly trodden pathways. Discreetly decorative, it will appeal to enthusiasts of natural gardening.

Prunella vulgaris, Common Selfheal, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere, from temperate Europe to Asia, North Africa and North America. This species is found naturally in varied habitats such as meadows, lawns, roadsides or clearings, often on fresh to moderately dry, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, but it also tolerates calcareous soils. The foliage is semi-evergreen in winter and forms a base of dense rosettes. The plant spreads via horizontal stems that root at the nodes. These stems give rise to upright flowering stems 10 to 30 cm high, sometimes more, topped with compact spikes composed of violet-blue two-lipped flowers, frequently accompanied by bracts tinged with purple. The flowering is very attractive to pollinators and extends from June to September, sometimes until October, depending on conditions. The flowers are pollinated mainly by bees and butterflies. Each inflorescence is then followed by achenes containing the seeds. 
This species has a spreading habit and relatively rapid growth; it colonises space without being aggressive, making it ideal for flowering meadows and natural gardens. It is very hardy, withstanding -20 °C, and tolerates light to moderate treading. It requires little maintenance and can self-seed spontaneously.

Discreet but essential, Common Selfheal integrates into naturalistic style gardens, flowering meadows or slightly wild borders. It makes an excellent groundcover at the foot of deciduous trees, along paths or in grassy walkways. Mixed with the common daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Knautia arvensis or field scabious and wild bellflowers, it creates a rustic display while supporting biodiversity. Placed as a carpet plant within a nectar-rich meadow or as a companion to medicinal plants in a herb garden, it will reveal its full potential.