Showy Skullcap
(Scutellaria serrata)
Showy Skullcap (Scutellaria serrata)
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Judy Gallagher
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Judy Gallagher
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Judy Gallagher | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Judy Gallagher | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-06-03T13:56:23-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Scutellaria serrata, commonly known as Showy Skullcap, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands and forest edges in the Eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters). This plant features a clumping form with branching stems and bears tubular flowers that are most commonly blue, but can also be found in shades of pink, purple, and white. The flowering season extends from late spring to early summer, and the flowers are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Showy Skullcap is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to naturalize in garden settings. It is often used in border plantings, woodland gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscapes. This species is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in soils with medium drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade, which allows for optimal flowering. While not commonly reported to have significant disease issues, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. Showy Skullcap is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a good choice for residential gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Showy Skullcap is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to naturalize in garden settings. It is often used in border plantings, woodland gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscapes. This species is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in soils with medium drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade, which allows for optimal flowering. While not commonly reported to have significant disease issues, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. Showy Skullcap is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a good choice for residential gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 4-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and forest edges
Other Names
Common Names: Helmet Flower
Scientific Names: , Scutellaria serrata, Scutellaria serrata var. montana, Scutellaria serrata var. serrata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Scutellaria serrata Andrews