BLUE SKULLCAP
Scutellaria lateriflora
MINT FAMILY (Lamiaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - July, August, September
- Uncommon - wet areas on FF floodplain
- Clusters of tiny tubular blue flowers
- Unique, oddly shaped fruits
- Square stems & opposite toothed leaves
This native perennial usually grows less than 2 feet tall, with smooth, square stems and toothed, lance-shaped leaves opposite on the stem (A,C). The small blue tubular flowers are arranged opposite on stalks (racemes) which grow from the leaf axils; they bloom a few at a time (A,B). The unique, oddly shaped yellowish fruits (B,D) develop on the stalk below the flowers.
Grows on streambanks, riverbanks and marshy areas, flowering from July through September. Uncommon on Fontenelle Forest floodplain in wet places.
The odd shape of the fruit, similar to the skullcap worn by some clerics, prompted the common name Skullcap (Photo D). Another common name, Mad-Dog Skullcap, originated from the now discredited idea it was an effective treatment for rabies.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.