When does Prunella vulgaris bloom?

Heal-all blooms from June through September, producing small purple flowers arranged in dense spikes.

What pollinators visit Heal-all?

Prunella vulgaris attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. The small tubular flowers are particularly well-suited for native bee species.

Where is Prunella vulgaris native?

Heal-all is native to all 50 US states, making it one of the most widespread native plants in North America.

What growing conditions does Heal-all prefer?

This adaptable plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to shade and various moisture levels, though it performs well in medium moisture soils.

Is Heal-all toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Heal-all as toxic to livestock.

Is Heal-all HOA-friendly?

Heal-all takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Heal-all

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Prunella vulgaris

Last reviewed: June 2026

Prunella vulgaris (Heal-all) is a native wildflower found across all US states that blooms purple flowers from June through September. This adaptable forb attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles in various light and moisture conditions.

Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris) — Photo: William Stephens / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Heal-all as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Heal-all is a low-growing perennial wildflower that forms dense mats with small purple flower spikes. It thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture and blooms from June through September. This hardy ground cover spreads readily and can fill in gaps between other plantings.

Growing Heal-all

Grow Heal-all in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Heal-all takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Commonly considered a lawn weed
Spreads aggressively and can look unkempt
May be confused with invasive species by neighbors

Wildlife value

The purple flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the long blooming season. Its low growth provides shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife.

Common questions

When does Prunella vulgaris bloom?: Heal-all blooms from June through September, producing small purple flowers arranged in dense spikes.
What pollinators visit Heal-all?: Prunella vulgaris attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. The small tubular flowers are particularly well-suited for native bee species.
Where is Prunella vulgaris native?: Heal-all is native to all 50 US states, making it one of the most widespread native plants in North America.
What growing conditions does Heal-all prefer?: This adaptable plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to shade and various moisture levels, though it performs well in medium moisture soils.
Is Heal-all toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Heal-all as toxic to livestock.
Is Heal-all HOA-friendly?: Heal-all takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Heal-all? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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