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Hoary Skullcap Scutellaria

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
skoot-ul-AIR-ee-uh
Description

Skullcaps are a genus of flowering plants in the mint family that is found in temperate areas worldwide. They can be annuals, perennials or aquatic plants. They grow 4 to 40 inches tall, have 4 angled stems and 2 lipped flowers with a shield on the calyx giving them the common name of skullcap. Most are deer and rabbit resistant as the leaves are bitter tasting. The genus name comes from the Latin word scutella meaning a small dish or saucer. The plant spreads by rhizomes and seeds.

Popular varieties for the gardener prefer full to part sun, fertile moist soil and do well along ponds and marshy areas. However, there are varieties such as S. incana that do well in drier sites and are drought-tolerant once established. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Aphids, powdery mildew and leaf spot may occur

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple flowers#red flowers#blue flowers#rabbit resistant#pond margins#moist soil#NC native#deer resistant#native wildflower#naturalized area#NC Native Pollinator Plant#sun#wildflower
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple flowers#red flowers#blue flowers#rabbit resistant#pond margins#moist soil#NC native#deer resistant#native wildflower#naturalized area#NC Native Pollinator Plant#sun#wildflower
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Scutellaria
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Used in herbal and Chinese medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    North America, Eurasia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    2-part capsule that is joined at the base and contains nutlets
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Two-lipped flowers with a shield on the calyx. Vary in size and color depending on the species
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Paired leaves vary in size and shape depending on the species. Many have serrated margins and are up to 3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Square green stems with a few hairs
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    English Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups