Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet, Medium-Wet
Soil Type: Sand-Loam, Loam, Loam-Clay, Gravely if the soil retains water
Height: 2 feet
Spread: 2 feet
Blooms: July, August, September
Root: Rhizome
Habitat: Moist sedge meadows, Openings in floodplain woodlands, Marshes/Bogs, Pond edges
Landscape uses: Pollinator garden, Low area garden (soggy soil), Pond edges
Complimentary Plants: Turtlehead, Cardinal Flower, Mountain Mint
Wildlife Value: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many types of bees. Host Plant: Prochoreutis inflatella Moth
Seed Origin: Grey County, ON
Germination Code: C(60)
Scutellaria lateriflora - Blue Skullcap
Blue Skullcap is a mint-family perennial plant with toothed, opposite leaves and a square stem, which is typically hairless. From July to September, it blooms small, trumpet-shaped flowers, varying in color from pale blue to lavender.
This plant does best in soil that stays moist, and will spread out to form small clumps but is not aggressive in its growth. It has a bitter taste so deer and rabbits do not browse the folliage. The common name of “skullcap” is a reference to the cap shape of the flower and seed capsules, which slightly resemble helmets. The leaves of Blue Skullcap have a history of use in a variety of herbal remedies.