Other Prunella
Leaf lobing and flower color help separate relatives; confirm with the regional key.
Use the botanical sourceStudy first
Selfheal.
Prunella vulgaris
Also found as Heal-all · Common selfheal
A low mint-family perennial with compact purple flower heads, included for botanical and traditional-use study.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
The common name heal-all is historical language, not evidence of medical effectiveness.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 146,193
- People who recorded it
- 58,868
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jun–Jul
- Records span
- 1937–2026
| January | 857 |
|---|---|
| February | 786 |
| March | 1573 |
| April | 5165 |
| May | 6973 |
| June | 33967 |
| July | 51947 |
| August | 21200 |
| September | 9417 |
| October | 5596 |
| November | 2111 |
| December | 955 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Opposite simple leaves, usually ovate to oblong.
- 02
Two-lipped purple flowers in a compact terminal head.
- 03
Persistent overlapping bracts remain after flowering.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Widespread; Go Botany distinguishes native and introduced subspecies in North America.
Watch the plant stage
Study flowering heads and stem leaves together in the local growing season.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Flowering top
No medicinal preparation or treatment advice is supplied.
Care for the patch
Leave flowering patches for insects and record observations without picking.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Native Plant Trust · SelfhealBotanical description, range and documented use
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction