Scutellaria lateriflora, better known as American skullcap and Virginia skullcap, is a perennial woodland herb found throughout North America. The plant is also cultivated elsewhere, including Europe and China. It should NOT be confused, however, with its cousin Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) as the two are not interchangeable.
Skullcap has a long history of use in America and England, spanning more than 200 years. Traditionally, it has been used as a restorative herb, and is often blended with herbs with similar properties, such as
valerian root,
chamomile or
hops.