Helmet Flower
(Scutellaria integrifolia)
Helmet Flower (Scutellaria integrifolia)
/
/

© James (Jim) Duggan
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© James (Jim) Duggan
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © James (Jim) Duggan | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: tas56 | Publisher: iNaturalist |

























Estimated Native Range
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
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: