This perennial is widespread in its distribution, and extremely variable in its growth habits. In the moist shade of wooded areas, heal-all grows slender and tall. In lawns where frequent mowing is necessary, it spreads horizontally into dense, thick patches. Leaves, sparsely covered with hairs, are broad at the base and tapered to a rounded tip. They grow opposite each other along a square-shaped stem. Tubular flowers range in color from pale violet to deep purple, and are formed in dense clusters at the tips of branches. Heal-all of "self-heal" as it is sometimes called, would indicate some type of medicinal remedy or cure. Extensive studies reveal that if heal-all has a medicinal value or property, it is completely unknown.