Scutellaria indica aka Indian Skullcap

Scutellaria indica is a small perennial in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range includes China, Japan, and Korea. PFAF also lists a wider distribution across parts of Asia. These records include Taiwan, India, mainland Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The RHS does not list it as native to Britain or Ireland. Its wild habitats include hillsides, grassland, rocky ground, and roadsides. It also grows in sparse woods. Habitat records reach about 4,920 feet [1,500 metres] above sea level.

Plants reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] in height. Their spread is about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. This small size suits a place in cultivated beds. PFAF also reports good growth in rock gardens. The supplied species account gives no leaf or stem details. It records flowering from June through August. Seeds ripen from July through September, overlapping the flowering season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers.

Choose a sunny site where soil stays moist during growth. PFAF says this species does not grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils in garden beds. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Ordinary garden soil can meet its needs without a special mix. The key limit is soil that dries during the growing season. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8 for this plant.

Sow seed outdoors in its final spot in late spring. For small seed lots, PFAF suggests pots in an early-spring cold frame. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them out in spring. Divide established plants in spring before fresh growth starts. Large divisions can go straight into their final sites. Grow small divisions in pots under light shade first. Keep these in a cold frame until well rooted. Plant them out in summer once established. Basal cuttings offer another route in early summer.

PFAF lists leaves as edible and describes cooking young plants. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. It also records folk use for injuries, with a low medicinal rating. This record does not establish medical benefit. PFAF reports no known hazards, but that does not prove universal safety. It flags no weed potential and lists no other uses.