Scutellaria lateriflora (Blue Skullcap) Unity Grown

Scutellaria lateriflora, commonly called blue skullcap or mad-dog skullcap, is a spreading native wildflower found throughout most of the contiguous US and Canada. Although the common name blue skullcap is self-explanatory, the common name of 'mad-dog skullcap' originates from the 18th century belief that the plant could be used to treat rabies. Although its true medicinal benefits are debated, there is some recognition of its potential use as a mild sedative and sleep aid.

Blue skullcap grows to a manageable height of only about two and a half feet, but as a mint relative, is capable of spreading via rhizomatic roots and runners. Scutellaria lateriflora has fragrant leaves and small blue flowers, blooming from mid-summer into fall, that resemble helmets or skullcaps of the middle ages, and its fragrant foliage makes it resistant to deer and rabbit browsing. Typically found wild in wetland areas and floodplains, blue skullcap does best in medium to wet soils, and works excellently planted near ponds or streams or in poorly draining parts of the home landscape.