Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) is sometimes known as Common Skullcap, Marsh Skullcap or Hooded Skullcap is a member of the mint family. It s a common waterside plant that thrives in wetland areas, along fens and shorelines. The flower is typically short with bright blue petals, which show as two lipped flowers, usually in pairs.
Skullcap has a square stem and its leave grow opposite, with little or no stalk at all. It looks similar to another species of Skullcap called Lesser Skullcap but the differece is, that the Lesser Skullcap has slight toothed leaves and pale pink flowers.
Skullcap is an upright growing pant that can reach a height of 45cm but can occasionally reach up to 80cm in height. The flowers are typically 1 – 2 cm long and are all on the same side of the stem but do not grow on the top of the stem. Skullcap can also be grown as an ornamental plant and has also been used as a traditional medicine, typically used to treat various nervous disorders.Although this plant is not very aromatic, it is still often used as an ornamental plant. Its leaves are up to 50mm long and 20mm wide, with a weakly toothed margin and small pointed tip.
This plant is pollinated by insects with long tongues, such as the long tongued bee and it is the only plant that will attract the Skullcap Leaf Beetle, which is a small yellow / brown beetle that has a black head and 4 black spots on its back.
Height: 20 – 45cm
Flowering Time: June to September
Preferred Conditions: Skullcap prefers to grow in wet / damp conditions, therefore it is commonly found on river banks, canals, pond sides and lakes.
