Heartleaf Skullcap
(Scutellaria ovata)
Heartleaf Skullcap (Scutellaria ovata)
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Evan M. Raskin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Evan M. Raskin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Evan M. Raskin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Evan M. Raskin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-06-16T11:24:39-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Scutellaria ovata, commonly known as Heartleaf Skullcap, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to open woodlands, forest edges, and rocky slopes in the East-Central United States and Northeastern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.8-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters). The plant is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and hooded blue to purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, with a less showy repeat bloom in the fall. The flowers are arranged in racemes and are attractive to pollinators such as bees.
Heartleaf Skullcap is valued for its ornamental foliage, which remains attractive throughout the growing season, and its vibrant flowers that add a splash of color to garden borders and naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance and can be used effectively as ground cover or in woodland gardens. This plant prefers partial shade to full sun and thrives in well-drained soils with consistent moisture. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Heartleaf Skullcap is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, potentially becoming invasive in some gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Heartleaf Skullcap is valued for its ornamental foliage, which remains attractive throughout the growing season, and its vibrant flowers that add a splash of color to garden borders and naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance and can be used effectively as ground cover or in woodland gardens. This plant prefers partial shade to full sun and thrives in well-drained soils with consistent moisture. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Heartleaf Skullcap is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, potentially becoming invasive in some gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and rocky slopes
Other Names
Common Names: Eggleaf Skullcap
Scientific Names: Scutellaria ovata , Scutellaria ovata var. ovata
GBIF Accepted Name: Scutellaria ovata Hill