Skullcap

Scutellaria ovata

Plant family: Lamiaceae

— Texas native, perennial, medicinal, low-maintenance —

Skullcap in the Garden Ecosystem

This beautiful mint-family plant with fuzzy gray leaves pops up in the fall, thrives through the winter months, and shoots up tall purple flower spikes in the spring that attract pollinators and hummingbirds. It grows well in shade or partial shade and makes a great ground cover, spreading in dense clumps by underground fleshy roots. The plants will go dormant through the heat of the summer but emerge again in the fall once temperatures cool down.

Working with Skullcap

As a nervine herb, skullcap is known to ease nervous tension and calm the mind. Historically, it has been used to help with things like overactive mind chatter, hysterical states, insomnia, and migraines. The skullcap most commonly used in teas and tinctures sold commercially is Scutterlaria lateriflora, but some Texas herbalists work with this native variety, Scutellaria ovata. We do not yet have much personal experience working with this plant in this way and mainly grow it as a fabulous, ambitious, gorgeous ground cover that is deer resistant and attracts hummingbirds.

These statements are for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed health care professional before consuming a new plant -- especially if you are pregnant or have pre-existing medical conditions.