description
Scutellaria lateriflora is a hardy perennial herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae.

It has an upright habit, its maximum height reaching 60 to 80 centimeters. Skullcap's small blue flowers are just short of one centimeter in length, most of them being produced along the length of side branches that grow from the leaf axils and not at the top of the main stem. The plant flowers from June to August; and its seeds ripen from July to September.

common names & nomenclature
When turned upside down the flower's calyx resembles a helmet with the visor raised, which has given rise to the common name skullcap.

Also known as:
blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap, blue pimpernel, american skullcap, virginia skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora is native to North America—it also grows in Europe and Southern Canada.

climate
Skullcap is a wetland-loving species; it thrives in proximity to marshes, meadows, and other wet habitats in sunny locations.

soil
Skullcap grows well in any moist garden soil that does not dry out during the growing season.

growing
In late spring, sow skullcap seeds directly in the garden. Plant divisions or basal cuttings can also be taken in late spring or early summer, grow the cuttings on in pots until they are rooting well.

harvesting
Harvest leaves in summer and dry for later use.

preserving
Store dried skullcap leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Many Skullcap species grow in Europe, but the American herb is the one used in herbal healing. It's sometimes called Virginia skullcap, but it grows all over the United States and southern Canada.

Skullcap is a slender, 2-foot, branching, square-stemmed perennial with opposite, serrated leaves. The flowers have two lips. The upper lip includes an elongated caplike append-age, which is the source of most of the herb's popular names. Skullcap may be propagated be seeds of root divisions planted in early spring, thin seedlings to 6-inch spacing. Skullcap grows in any well drained soil under full sun and requires little care. Although it is a perennial skullcap rarely lives longer than three years. Harvest the leaves in midsummer.