Helmet Flower

(Scutellaria integrifolia)

Helmet Flower (Scutellaria integrifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Scutellaria integrifolia, commonly known as Helmet Flower or Helmet Skullcap, is a perennial herb native to open woodlands, meadows, and forest edges in the eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and a width of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). The plant has a clumping form with narrow, entire leaves and a densely pubescent stem. It produces large, showy blue-purple flowers from late spring through summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Helmet Skullcap is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings, including borders and naturalized areas. It prefers mesic, acidic soils and can tolerate part shade to full sun. While it is relatively low maintenance, it benefits from occasional disturbances, such as fire, to rejuvenate its growth. In cultivation, it is often used for its medicinal properties, as it has been traditionally used in herbal remedies. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread by seed and may require management to keep it contained within a designated area.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.3-1.6 feet
  • Width: 0.6-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, meadows, and forest edges in the eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Helmet Skullcap, Hyssop Skullcap

Scientific Names: , Scutellaria integrifolia, Scutellaria caroliniana, Scutellaria hyssopifolia, Scutellaria hyssopifolia var. hispida, Scutellaria incana subsp. hispida, Scutellaria integrifolia f. integrifolia, Scutellaria integrifolia f. rhodantha, Scutellaria integrifolia subsp. hispida, Scutellaria integrifolia subsp. typica

GBIF Accepted Name: