Several flowering spikes of Common Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris, Kleine Braunelle) grow among grasses and other meadow vegetation. In the left part of the image, a seed head of Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata, Spitzwegerich)

#flowers #meadow #selfheal #prunellavulgaris #kleinebraunelle #braunelle #ribwort #plantain #plantagolanceolata #spitzwegerich

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris, Kleine Braunelle) is a low-growing perennial herb with purple to violet flowers, commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides across temperate regions. It thrives in well-drained soils and tolerates a range of conditions from sun to partial shade.
Self-heal plays an important role in supporting biodiversity. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for many pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant also helps stabilize soil and can improve ground cover in disturbed areas. Additionally, it serves as a food source for some herbivorous insects and contributes to habitat complexity in natural and semi-natural ecosystems. Traditionally, self-heal has been used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It is often applied to minor cuts, bruises, and sore throats, promoting faster recovery and soothing inflammation.
Often also called heart-of-the-earth has been selected as a "Wild Plant 2023" by the Loki Schmidt Foundation to draw attention to this decline and the loss of species-rich meadows. I realized that in our meadow plenty of this flowers grow after the first (hay) cut.

#flower #wildflowers #meadows #nativeplants #selfheal #prunella #prunellavulgaris #kleinebraunelle #braunelle #pollinators #biodiversity

#bloomscrolling #lila #braunelle #wildpflanzen #rasenmäherneindanke

#heckenbraunelle #braunelle #vogel #vogelbeobachtung #vogelfotografie #natur #naturfotografie #dunnock #bird #birdwatching #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography

Aufruf zur Artenvielfalt

Die 'Kleine Braunelle' ist Blume des Jahres

Die Kleine #Braunelle ist als " #Blume des Jahres 2023 " ausgezeichnet worden. Diese Vergabe soll auf den Verlust heimischer #Wildpflanzen aufmerksam machen. Damit ist auch ein Aufruf zur #Artenvielfalt verbunden.

🔗 https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/kleine-braunelle-blume-des-jahres-101.html