Lance Selfheal, Pollinator Essential, Native to Most States

The name "Heal-all" is no exaggeration; for centuries, this plant was considered a global panacea. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it is one of the few plants that truly spans the globe.

Historically, it was a staple in the kits of European herbalists and Indigenous North American healers alike. Its genus name, Prunella, is thought to be a derivative of the German word die Bräune, a term for a throat infection that the plant was traditionally used to treat. In the Middle Ages, it was called "Carpenter's Herb" because it was believed to "self-heal" the cuts and nicks of tradesmen. To grow Selfheal is to cultivate one of the most respected medicinal plants in human history.

While humans have valued it for medicine, nature values it for its incredible nectar. Lance Selfheal is one of the most important plants you can add to a Pollinator Sanctuary for several reasons:

1. The Bumblebee Favorite: The hooded, tubular shape of the flowers is perfectly evolved for bumblebees. They land on the lower lip of the flower, using their weight to "pop" open the blossom and reach the rich nectar reward inside.
2. Long-Lasting Buffet: Unlike many spring-only wildflowers, Selfheal blooms from June through September, providing a critical food source during the "mid-summer gap" when other nectar sources may dry up.
3. Butterfly & Specialist Bee Support: It is a frequent stop for the Clouded Sulphur butterfly and several species of small native sweat bees.
4. The "Bee Lawn" Revolution: Because it can withstand occasional mowing and light foot traffic, it is the primary choice for "No Mow May" and "Bee Lawns." It allows homeowners to have a green space that also functions as a vital ecosystem.

1. Sowing the Seeds:
Selfheal is a reliable germinator and can be sown in spring or fall.

• When: Direct sow in late autumn (for natural cold stratification) or in early spring.
• Depth: Surface sow or barely cover with 1/8 inch of soil. The seeds require light to germinate.
• Preparation: If sowing in a lawn for a "bee lawn," mow the grass very short and rake the soil to expose it before scattering the seeds.

2. The Best Spot:
Selfheal is incredibly versatile. While it loves Full Sun, it is one of the few pollinators that will bloom happily in Partial Shade. It prefers consistent moisture but is surprisingly drought-tolerant once its root system is established.

3. Maintenance:

• Spacing: If planting in a garden bed, space plants 6–10 inches apart. They will slowly spread to form a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover.
• Mowing: If grown in a lawn, set your mower blade to 3 or 4 inches. This allows the plant to flower and feed the bees while keeping the grass looking tidy.
• Self-Sowing: Selfheal will readily drop seeds to fill in bare spots. If you want to limit its spread, simply trim the flower heads once they turn brown.

Lance Selfheal makes an excellent "living mulch" at the feet of taller perennials like Purple Coneflower or Black-Eyed Susans. Its cool purple tones provide a beautiful, grounding contrast to the bright yellows of the summer meadow.

Garden Tip: Don't be fooled by its humble appearance! Selfheal is a tough-as-nails survivor. It stays green even in poor soil and provides a lush, flowering carpet in areas where traditional turf grass often fails. 🌍💜