Skullcap can attain a small height of 2 to 3’ with occasional branching. With the scientific name Scutellaria lateriflora, this plant can be found in North America’s wet habitats. [5] Other skullcaps used for similar purposes include common skullcap (S. galericulata), western skullcap (S. canescens), and southern skullcap (S. cordifolia). Change ). The dried leaf is reported to contain about 50 milligrams of flavonoid per gram. There are numerous species of skullcap but the blue skullcap is deemed as the most potent since it has the widest range of uses and benefits. Pink Skullcap is a very interesting plant in that it stays very low to the ground and spreads very slowly, almost like a molten lava flow moving slowly outward from the center. Although it is widely distributed throughout large regions of North America, there are related species found as far away as China. Scutellarin is transformed by hydrolysis into scutellarein. I am not one of those gardeners and I am here to sing Hallelujah praises for Heartleaf Skullcap. Name: Skullcap, Official Scientific Name: Scutellaria lateriflora Official Skullcap is known commonly as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap,and side-flowering skullcap, is a hardy perennial herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to North America. Description and History Of Skullcap. It has square, hairy stems and heart shaped leaves. It is a wetland-loving species and grows near marshes, meadows, and other wet habitat. Aside from that similarity, their leaves and stems are quite different. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a perennial herb native to North America. Both Chinese and American skullcap are perennial herbs which grow 1-2 feet in height and produce purple flowers. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This spreading perennial is the perfect solution for filling in shady areas that need a splash of color. It prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade. Though not aromatic like some mints, it has the characteristic square stem and serrated leaves. and Horhammer, L., Hager's Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, Vols. P.H. This set of photographs was taken at Pandapas Pond, in Montgomery County, VA, in mid-June. The Chinese herb has a strong stem with thick, almost dagger-like leaves. Skullcap is a perennial herb that was prized by the Native Americans and used as a mild sedative without causing unwanted drowsiness. It has the same tiny leaves and shrubby form as a germander, but grows much better here. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Like the environment it grows in, skullcap herb has been known to instill a sense of gentle calm. Ninety-plus species occur in North America alone. This plant got its name from the shape of its blue flowers and seed capsules which resemble military caps from the Middle Ages. Scutellaria lateriflora (Lamiaceae) Skullcap is a hardy perennial herb indigenous to North America. The name skullcap is used in reference to any plant belonging to the Scutellaria family, though Chinese and American varieties are most commonly used in traditional medicine. It has clusters of beautiful blue flowers and interesting skullcap (or helmet) shaped seed pods. The compounds in this plant are so powerful that most sources maintain that it should be used with extreme caution. The flavonoids are readily extracted using hot water.[13]. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), also known as blue skullcap, is a perennial flowering plant which can be found in North America’s wet habitats. And it's a plant that deer aren't that fond of either. Scutellaria baicalensis, more commonly known as Baikal skullcap, is a perennial herb indigenous to Southern China and Korea and is one of more than 300 Scutellaria species.Its dried roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine and is sometimes also called Huang qin or golden root.  Although the plants pictured on this page have a similar, toothed leaf, these flowers are much less “showy”, so I think they are a different species.  As to which one, I’m not sure. The flower get its name from the shape of the calyx (the group of sepals) at the base of the … [5], β-Elemene in the herb is under preliminary research in vitro,[7] but studies in humans have not confirmed any efficacy. 2-6, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1969-1979. Skullcap is the name of a flowering perennial plant from the mint family, Lamiaceae. Skullcap, oftentimes spelled as scullcap, is a hardy perennial that owes its rights to the mint family, Lamiaceae. A perennial herb — part of the mint family – skullcap is a native to the northeastern region of Mexico. [14] A number of the flavones found in S. lateriflora have been reported to selectively bind with high affinity to central benzodiazepine receptor sites, leading to the view that the flavones exert anxiolytic and other benzodiazepine effects in rats. Pollinated by long-tongued bees and is the only food plant of the Skullcap Leaf Beetle. Shrubby and indestructible, this evergreen native perennial is a great edging for the front of the border. This perennial plant can be found in the wild. The plants were growing in full sun, at the edge of the forest. With so many species in this genus, I’m a bit intimidated to try to key this particular plant down to species. Blue skullcap is a hardy perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. These calming effects on the nervous system are now widely used in traditional Western herbal medicine. Skullcap is a minty perennial herb which has tiny purple flowers and offers many health benefits. [5] Cherokee women have used it as an emmenagogue. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This plant will spread so it’s important to be aware of this if space is an issue in your garden. It has no significant negative characteristics.Texas Rose Pink Skullcap is recommended for the following landscape applications;Mass PlantingGeneral Garden UseContainer … The herb has been used for centuries as a natural mood-booster, and for a variety of other purposes. It’s stem is rather weak, making the plant fall over easily. It has an upright habit, growing 60 to 80 centimeters in maximum height. It’s flowers are blue and hood shaped. It's extremely hardy; it takes our heat and drought very, very well. It has an upright habit, growing 60 to 80 centimeters in maximum height. Some species have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, and sedative properties, among others. Growing to heights of 2 to 4 feet, Skullcap is a perennial herb that prefers wet areas and grows wild in woods and meadows. Ninety-plus species occur in North America alone. ( Log Out /  The genus, Scuttelaria, is huge; there are 300 species worldwide. Scutellaria § Constituents and pharmacology, "Comparison of the Phenolic Component Profiles of Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Germander (Teucrium canadense and T. Chamaedrys), a Potentially Hepatotoxic Adulterant", "Antineoplastic effect of β-elemene on prostate cancer cells and other types of solid tumour cells", Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Scutellaria_lateriflora&oldid=993607225, GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators, Articles needing additional medical references from April 2014, All articles needing additional references, Articles requiring reliable medical sources, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 11 December 2020, at 14:20. It’s native to North America and it has been cultivated for its medicinal properties. It is increasingly prescribed by modern herbalists. ( Log Out /  The name comes from its resemblance to the medieval cap worn by men. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Ideal for xeriscapes. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Other plants with sedative GABAergic properties, Please review the contents of the section and. Baikal Skullcap is a low growing herbaceous perennial shrub that normally grows about 30 cm in height, but spreading up to 50-60 cm wide. Versatile and useful in rock This herb has been used for hundreds of years to help ease muscle tension and spasms. Skullcap galenic forms, doses and directions for use. Different varieties live all over the United States, but here in Louisiana only Rough Skullcap, Scutellaria integrefolia is native. In Trends in New Crops and New Uses. Skullcap herb uses are varied in that skullcap refers to two separate herbs: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), both of which are used to treat entirely different conditions. Around the world, some species of skullcap have historically been used as medicine to treat a very wide variety of illnesses. skullcap Herbal medicine A perennial herb that contains flavonoids, glucosides (scutellarein), bitter principles, iridoids, tannins and volatile oil; it is antispasmodic, digestive, sedative and a nerve tonic, and has been used for anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome exacerbated by stress, and withdrawal from substance abuse. It has clusters of beautiful blue flowers and interesting skullcap (or helmet) shaped seed pods. Lets learn more about how to grow skullcap herb and the plants interesting history. Skullcap or Scutellaria is a perennial herb that is a member of the mint family. Skutellaria lateriflora. Skullcap is a member of the Lamiaceae, or Mint family. It has a neat, compact mounding growth habit that works well as an edging plant or ground cover. Since some compounds are similar to neurotransmitters involved in regulating anxiety, skullcap acts as a light antispasmodic that helps treat muscle tension, nervous tension, insomnia and anguish. It is drought tolerant once it is established. [8] Diterpenes isolated from S. barbata had cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines in vitro. Scientifically referred to as Scutellaria lateriflora, this herb is native to the wetlands of North American. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a flowering plant in the mint family. Scutellaria lateriflora is the species indigenous to North America and is believed to have sedative, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Skullcap is a perennial flowering herb that belongs to the mint family called Lamiaceae. From its rich blue-grey foliage, to its gorgeous blue-violet blooms, to its ability to grow lushly in a garden as a drought tolerant and hardy perennial Scutellaria lateriflora, known commonly as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap,[1][2] and side-flowering skullcap, is a hardy perennial herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to North America. This wetland plant is also known as blue scullcap, mad-dog scullcap, and side-flowering skullcap. 2002. Scutellaria suffrutescens (texas pink scullcap). [12][13] Another study identifies 5,6,7-trihydroxy-2'- methoxyflavone and its 7-O-glucuronide. It is a member of the mint family. ASHS Press: Alexandria, VA; 580– 586. Skullcap is a native perennial wildflower. [3][4] It is a wetland-loving species and grows near marshes, meadows, and other wet habitat. Scutellaria lateriflora contains flavonoids.  If that is not enough, there are more! They crescendo to the top, where the flower buds are found. The plant grows to about 1-4 ft. tall, with lanceolate leaves and blue-purple, hermaprodite flowers. [9], The principal phenolics in the leaves, stems, and roots of some Scutellaria species are baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A. The blue flowers are just under a centimeter long. The form is upright and is usually 20 to 45 centimeters in height, sometimes reaching up to 80.  I’m going to leave it at “skullcap”. Skullcap is a perennial plant that grows in rich woodland clearings. What Is Skullcap? The plants are small, only 12 inches tall. [3][4] Most of the flowers do not appear at the top of the main stem, but are produced along the length of side branches that grow from the leaf axils. The plant is found growing in sandy and rocky places near the sea shore, sunny, grassy slopes, waste ground. Baikal skullcap is a perennial plant hardy in zones 4 through 8. Skullcap: Potential medicinal crop. The flower get its name from the shape of the calyx (the group of sepals) at the base of the flower, which looks like a little helmet (or “skull cap”). Skullcap is a hardy perennial flowering plant with a lot of uses. This heat and sun-loving, drought tolerant perennial blooms for months on end, providing bright color to the waterwise garden. They grow along the ground rather than straight up so they are suitable as a ground cover. Follow VIRGINIA WILDFLOWERS on WordPress.com. Historically, it has been used in traditional folk practices to promote wellbeing and … Skullcap is a native perennial wildflower. [10][11] Baicalin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in a rat model of thermal hyperalgesia. Key Actions: Sedative Nervine tonic Antispasmodic Mild bitter Tiny, pink, snapdragon-like flowers cover the neat, compact mound of foliage. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Skullcap is a small perennial herb that grows primarily in North America and Southeast Asia. A simple, beautiful little flower with an interesting past…. ( Log Out /   The genus, Scuttelaria, is huge; there are 300 species worldwide. The American skullcap plant (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a North American perennial herb. [6] Skullcap products have been analyzed, with some adulterated by Teucrium canadense or T. chamaedrys, also known as germander, which contains potentially hepatotoxic diterpenes. Texas Rose Pink Skullcap is an herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Skullcap was often used as a folk remedy for treating rabies. [15], The flavonoids are found throughout the plant but are more concentrated in the leaves, and the concentrations are found to decrease slightly as the plant matures. In bloom, the plant is covered in tiny, tubular blue flowers, although color can vary (2). Its extracts are used in herbal medicine intended as a mild sedative and sleep promoter. Scutellaria lateriflora, known commonly as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap, and side-flowering skullcap, is a hardy perennial herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to North America. The blue flowers are just under a centimeter long. Its name refers to any of the several species of Scutellaria in the mint family Labiatae. Skullcap or Scutellaria is a perennial herb that is a member of the mint family. Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) is a British native low growing perennial with very pretty delicate blue flowers from June to September. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Other names for this flower include helmet flower, quaker bonnet, mad dog, hoodwort, and blue pimpernel! In: J Janick,A Whipkey (eds). ( Log Out /  Different varieties live all over the United States, but here in Louisiana only Rough Skullcap, Scutellaria integrefolia is native. Scutellaria galericulata, the common skullcap, marsh skullcap or hooded skullcap, is a hardy perennial herb native to northern areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and almost all of Canada. Heartleaf skullcap (Scutellaria ovata) can be found growing under the shade of oaks and cedar elms in bottomland areas of the Hill Country. Heartleaf Skullcap, Scutellaria ovata, is a perennial that some gardeners love to hate. Overview: Skullcap is a perennial found in North America, Asia, and Europe. Skullcap is a hardy perennial found near marshes, meadows, and other wetland habitats. A previous post this year lists a lighter blue flower as Showy Skullcap. Baikal skullcap is a Chinese medicinal herb that was used for over 2,000 years to treat fevers, hypertension, coughing, and other ailments, and is used today as a traditional remedy for dysentery and diarrhea. Plant it in well-drained soil. Joshee N, Patrick TS, Mentreddy RS, Yadav AK. Rights to the medieval cap worn by men about 50 milligrams of flavonoid per.. Heartleaf skullcap, Scutellaria integrefolia is native to the northeastern region of Mexico known as blue scullcap, is wetland-loving... Herb has been cultivated for its medicinal properties a folk remedy for treating rabies meadows and., hoodwort, and anti-inflammatory properties plants are small, only 12 tall. And stems are quite different human cancer cell lines in vitro is skullcap a perennial a. Owes its rights to the northeastern region of Mexico with an interesting.. Tolerate light shade health benefits is usually 20 to 45 centimeters in height. 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[ 5 ] Cherokee women have used it as an emmenagogue aside from that similarity, their leaves shrubby. 12 ] [ 11 ] Baicalin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in a rat model of thermal hyperalgesia 7-O-glucuronide! Zones 4 through 8 in mid-June, doses and directions for use although is... Stem is rather weak, making the plant fall over easily wetland is!, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties Scuttelaria, is a great edging is skullcap a perennial the front the...

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