Scutellaria lateriflora aka Scullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora belongs to the mint family. It has soft stems and lives for years. Its common names include blue skullcap and mad dog skullcap. Virginian skullcap is another name. It grows wild across Canada and the United States. Its range covers both eastern and western North America. It grows in mild climates, in wetlands and damp places. These sites include swampy woods and wet meadows. It also grows in dense shrubs beside rivers. Other sites include stream and pond edges and low, damp rock ledges.

Garden plants reach about 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 metres) tall. They spread about 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) wide. They grow upright and spread through rhizomes and runners. These stems grow underground and help the plant spread. It can thus grow beyond its first planting spot. Its flowers add blue or lavender colour to gardens. Chicago Botanic Garden gives July through October as its bloom season. The blooms add colour to damp beds in summer and autumn.

This species grows well in full sun with moist soil. It also copes with part shade. This includes light shade in the afternoon. Moist to wet soil best suits its wetland roots. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it for USDA zones 5–9. It suits pond edges, stream banks, and marshy ground. Low garden spots that stay damp also suit it. Gardeners can plant it on damp ground for a wild look. Missouri Botanical Garden lists it as resistant to deer and rabbits. It also lists wet soil resistance.

With the right growing conditions, this skullcap needs little routine care. Reports of serious pest and disease problems are rare. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can still occur. Aphids may appear too, so check plants for these pests. Grow more plants from seed, division, or basal cuttings. Division means splitting plants; basal cuttings come from their base. Sow seeds outdoors in late spring. Divide settled plants in spring before new growth starts. Plant large pieces straight into their growing site. Keep small pieces in pots until they grow well. Take basal cuttings in early summer.

Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. This plant has a history of use in herbal medicine. Past uses include trying to ease stress and nerve complaints. The same source says research is still limited. These uses do not prove that home remedies are safe. Too much tincture can cause dizziness and confusion. It can also cause stupor, a deep daze, and seizures. Reports also raise concerns about possible harm to the liver. They note changes in how the immune system responds, too. Plants For A Future warns against use during pregnancy.