General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best on dryish, sandy or clay soils.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Skullcap is a Missouri native wildflower that occurs in open woods, clearings, on slopes and along streams in the northcentral and Ozark regions of the State. Grows to 3' tall. Small, two-lipped, purplish blue flowers (typical mint family) appear in branching, loose racemes in summer. Toothed, ovate, medium green leaves. Square stems are hoary (covered with minute white hairs), hence the sometime common name of hoary skullcap. Skullcap refers to the skull - or helmet - shaped calyx of the flower.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses:

Wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, native plant gardens, open woodland areas, prairies or meadows. Although an interesting wildflower, this species is infrequently sold by nurseries because its ornamental values are somewhat marginal. Ornamental salvias are closely related and are better selections for borders than this Scuttelaria.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010