Selfheal

Common name: Selfheal

Botanical name: Prunella vulgaris

Family: Lamiaceae

Life cycle: Perennial

Habitat: Selfheal is an aggressive perennial weed that if found in most types of turf and grassland. It can adapt to most mowing regimes and is able to thrive in close mown turf. It will grow in most soil types, even poor soils that are lacking in nutrients.

Leaf: Under close inspection you will notice that the leaves are bourne in pairs. They are usually a deep green colour, have scalloped edges and can be both hairy or smooth. The leaves may have a purple tinge to them, especially in close mown turf.

Flower: Selfheal has a distinct purple flower that attracts bees and butterflies. The flowers which have a pair of leaves below them are commonly seen between June and October.

Removal & Control: Hand weeding can prove very effective, especially if weed numbers are low. Frequent mowing will help prevent selfheal from spreading by reducing seedheads.

A chemical weed killer can be used to control this weed. Selfheal is not a difficult weed to control and is susceptible to most selective weed killers.