Having weeded out many specimens of Prunella vulgaris over the years it is of interest to see a mass planting of this herb, native to Europe and Central Asia, in full flower in the woodland garden. Seed was collected in the Russian Federation from a parent plant growing in scrubby grassland on the edge of woodland. It grows together as a tightly formed mass of plants producing spikes of familiar lipped purple, white blotched flowers that appear from the rough spike. Growing to 300mm but more compact as a successful lawn weed. It self-roots at the nodes of the square stems and moves to cover the ground at a remarkable rate. Well known in the herbal world, mentioned by Gerard and Culpepper in their 16th and 17th century herbals. Â Equally well known in turf culture manuals where control is mentioned. With increasing emphasis being placed on biodiversity and the use of mixed swards it is now a plant to be embraced and appreciated.
Prunella vulgaris
Prunella vulgaris