Prunella vulgarisL. Common Selfheal

Prunella vulgarisL. - Common Selfheal

Scientific Description:

Stems erect or ascending, 6−40 cm. Leaves (except uppermost pair) petiolate, ovate to oblong, obtuse, entire or weakly crenate, sometimes pinnatisect, glabrous or ± hairy (not hispid). Inflorescence capitate or shortly spicate. Bracts reddish- to blackish-purple, margin ciliate. Calyx with 2-lobed lower lip, upper lip truncate with 3 mucronate teeth; sinus between lateral and middle tooth rounded. Corolla deep violet or lavender-blue (rarely pure white), 9−15 mm. Nutlets 1.8 × 1.1 mm excl. caruncle.

 

Flowering time: May−September.

Habitat: Fields, woods, roadsides and moist banks, etc., often by streams, s.l.−2900 m.

 

Reference:

Edmondson JR (1982). Prunella vulgaris L., In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 7: 295.

Public Description:

Prunella vulgaris, known as “common selfheal”, is found in Europe, Asia and North America, as well as most temperate climates. It is a perennial plant with deep violet or lavender-blue flowers, and grows up to 40 cm in length. It blooms between May and September and is found in fields, woods, roadsides and moist banks, and often by streams. It contains vitamins A, C, and K. In traditional medicine, it is used for as a disinfecting agent and to pack wounds of irritated skin. It can also be used in salads and soups.

 

References:

Anonymous (2016). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunella_vulgaris, Accessed date: 16.02.2016.

Dirmenci T (2012). Prunella L., In: Güner, A., Aslan, S., Ekim, T., Vural, M. & Babaç, M.T. (eds.), Türkiye Bitkileri Listesi (Damarlı Bitkiler). Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanik Bahçesi ve Flora Araştırmaları Derneği Yayını. İstanbul, pp. 574.