Scutellaria integrifolia aka Helmet Flower

Scutellaria integrifolia is a wildflower that lives for many years. It belongs to Lamiaceae, the mint family. Common names include helmet skullcap, helmet flower, and hyssop skullcap. It is native to the eastern United States, with a range that reaches Texas. It grows in pine woods, other forests, and low meadows. It also grows along roadsides and in savannas. North Carolina records place it along the coast, in the piedmont, and in the mountains.

This plant has soft growth and stands upright. It does not form a woody shrub. It grows about 1.3–1.7 feet [0.41–0.51 metres] tall. Its spread is about 0.7–1 foot [0.20–0.30 metres]. Its straight, green stems have hairs but no scent. Green leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of each stem. Each leaf is simple, with no split into leaflets. Leaf shapes and edges change from the base upward. These changes help tell lower growth from upper growth.

The upper leaves are narrow and pointed, with no leaf stalks. They measure about 0.08–0.17 feet [0.025–0.051 metres] long. Their edges have no teeth. Lower leaves are shaped like eggs and have toothed edges. Thin stalks join these lower leaves to the stems. Most leaves have no hairs, though some upper leaves have them. These different leaf forms grow on the same plant.

The flowers grow in racemes, or clusters along a stem. They bloom from late spring into summer. The stated bloom season runs from May through July. Each flower has two lips and some hairs. The blooms are purplish blue, often with white beneath. Each flower is about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] long. The source also lists pink, purple, and white flower colors. Fruits follow in summer, with records for July and August. Thus, flowers and fruit can occur in the same season.

In gardens, this skullcap needs full sun and moist soil. Full sun means at least six hours of direct light each day. It also tolerates soil that turns dry at times. The listed hardiness range is USDA zones 6a through 9b. Its small size suits native gardens and plantings for pollinators. Bees, moths, other pollinators, and songbirds visit the plant. The source also names it as a larval host. This means it supports insects in their young stage. These ties give it value for wildlife alongside its summer flowers.