Scutellaria altissima aka Somerset Skullcap

Scutellaria altissima belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a perennial, a plant that lives for years. Its common names include tall skullcap and Somerset skullcap. It is native from east-central Europe to the Caucasus. RHS gives its range as Italy and the Balkans to Turkey and the Caucasus. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in temperate regions and sheds its leaves with the seasons.

The plant grows in bushy clumps with an upright shape. RHS gives its garden height as 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its spread falls within that same range. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The bright green leaves are shaped like triangles. Their edges have teeth. Upright flower spikes rise above the clump of leaves. Its small size suits beds and borders with little space.

The hooded blooms mix pale purple with darker lilac-blue shades. Chicago Botanic Garden lists white and purple blooms too. The plant blooms from May to June. Its upright spikes give it a clear vertical form. Chicago Botanic Garden lists its use as a specimen plant. RHS suggests cottage gardens and gardens with an informal style. It also lists beds and flower borders. Chicago records its value for birds and butterflies too. These records support its use in gardens planned for wildlife.

Grow tall skullcap in full sun or part shade. RHS calls for light soil that drains well. It lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soil types. Choose neutral or alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. RHS guidance suits sites that face south or west. The records give a range from dry to moist. They call for moderate watering. RHS rates the plant H4 for UK conditions. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 4–10. These ratings use systems from different regions. Read each on its own terms.

RHS says routine care does not call for pruning. It reports few usual pest or disease problems. Sow seeds in autumn to raise new plants. You can also split clumps in spring or autumn. A third way uses softwood cuttings, taken from young growth. Take these in late spring or early summer. The sources give no details on fruit or edible parts. Nor do they assess this species for toxic effects or use as medicine. These gaps do not show that the plant is safe to eat.