Marsh Skullcap

(Scutellaria galericulata)

Marsh Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Scutellaria galericulata, commonly known as Marsh Skullcap or Hooded Skullcap, is a hardy perennial herb native to wetland areas, including marshes, fens, riverbanks, and moist meadows across North America, Europe, and Asia. It typically stands upright at 20-45 centimeters in height, occasionally reaching up to 80 cm. The plant is characterized by its blue to violet flowers, each 1 to 2 centimeters long, which are arranged in pairs along one side of the stem, but not at the very top. The flowering season extends through summer, and while the flowers are not overly showy, they add a delicate charm to the plant’s appearance.

Marsh Skullcap is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, waterside plantings, and naturalized areas. It is also appreciated for its medicinal properties, historically used in herbal medicine. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil with medium drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases. Gardeners should be aware that although it is not aggressive, it can self-seed and spread in optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2.7 feet
  • Width: 0.2-0.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetland areas, including marshes, fens, riverbanks, and moist meadows

Other Names

Common Names: Common Skullcap, Hooded Skullcap, Marsh Scullcap, Almindelig Skjolddrager, Sumpfhelmkraut, Sumpf-Helmkraut, Sumpf Helmkraut, Luhtavuohennokka, Scutellaire Toque, Grande Toque

Scientific Names: , Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria epilobiifolia, Scutellaria galericulata var. epilobiifolia, Scutellaria pauciflora, Scutellaria galericulata var. vulgaris, Cassida galericulata, Cassida major, Cassida major oppr, Scutellaria adamsii

GBIF Accepted Name: Scutellaria galericulata L.