Which Parts of a Prunella Vulgaris Do I Harvest?

Time Frame

• While leaves may be plucked and eaten or dried at any time for salads or to make herbal tea, traditionally common selfheal is harvested when the plant is in bloom. Depending on climate, common selfheal blooms in late spring to mid or late summer.

Expert Insight

• Prune off the tops of flowering plants, a length of 4 to 8 inches, to include both the flowers and uppermost leaves. Tie up stems into clusters to dry for later use, or crush them fresh to make tinctures, according to the Alternative Nature Online Herbal website. Eat fresh flowers and leaves right after harvest.

Considerations

• Common selfheal plants grow vigorously, often spreading across the garden via roots and scattering seeds that germinate into new plants. Harvesting flowers reduces the amount of seeds produced and sprout, helping diminish the weediness of this herb.