Skullcaps Scutellaria
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- skoot-ul-AIR-ee-uh
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Square green stems with a few hairs
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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
