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Scutellaria galericulata L.

Common skullcap, marsh skullcap, hooded skullcap

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassMagnoliopsidaDicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
SubclassAsteridaeA large class that encompasses asters
OrderLamialesAromatic herbs and shrubs, including lavender, lilac, olive, jasmine, ash, teak, snapdragon, sesame, psyllium, garden sage, mint, basil, and rosemary
FamilyLamiaceaeMint family
GenusScutellariaFrom the Latin scutella, “a small dish, tray or platter,” and referring to the sepals which appear this way during the fruiting period
SpeciesgalericulataWith a small cap or hat, from the Latin galea, “a helmet”

About plant names...

Marsh skullcap is native to Europe, Asia, and much of North America. The species name, galericulata, means "hooded"—a reference to the hooded shape of the flowers.

Identification: These perennials are 8-18″ (20-45 cm) in height, rarely reaching 2½′ (80 cm). They favor wet, marshy areas. Leaves are in opposite pairs, with each leaf ⅜-1¾″ (1-5 cm) × ⅛-¾″ (3-20 mm). Leaves have small, widely spaced teeth. Flowers are blue to purplish, tubular, ⅜-¾″ (1-2 cm) long and ⅛-¼″ (5-7 mm) around, with a distinctive shape. Flowers appear from June to September. Fruits are small brown warty nutlets.

Medical: This plant is rarely used as a substitute for Scutellaria lateriflora, as an anti-inflammatory, antispas­modic, or sleep aid. Many sources, including us, don't recommend this practice though, because the safety of this species is unconfirmed; because there are over 300 related species, some dangerous; and because negative symptoms have been reported for this one.

Online References:

Alaskawildflowers.us

The Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

Skye Flora

Wildflowers, Ferns & Trees of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah

Minnesota Wildflowers

Scutellaria galericulata (common skullcap, marsh skullcap, hooded skullcap)

8/28/2021 · Center Pond Preserve, Phippsburg, Maine · By Priscilla Seimer

Scutellaria galericulata (common skullcap, marsh skullcap, hooded skullcap)

7/17/2010 · Mackworth Island, Falmouth, Maine · ≈ 9 × 14″ (23 × 35 cm) ID is uncertain

Scutellaria epilobiifolia A. Ham.

Scutellaria galericulata L. var. epilobiifolia (A. Ham.) Jordal

Scutellaria galericulata L. var. pubescens Benth.

Scutellaria galericulata L. ssp. pubescens (Benth.) Á. Löve & D. Löve

 

Scutellaria galericulata description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 13 Sep 2020.

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Scutellaria galericulata (common skullcap, marsh skullcap, hooded skullcap)

7/17/2010 · Mackworth Island, Falmouth, Maine · ≈ 6 × 4″ (15 × 10 cm) ID is uncertain

Scutellaria galericulata (common skullcap, marsh skullcap, hooded skullcap)

7/17/2010 · Mackworth Island, Falmouth, Maine · ≈ 3½ × 5″ (9.2 × 13 cm) ID is uncertain

Scutellaria galericulata (common skullcap, marsh skullcap, hooded skullcap)

7/17/2010 · Mackworth Island, Falmouth, Maine · ≈ 3½ × 5″ (9.2 × 13 cm) ID is uncertain

Scutellaria galericulata (common skullcap, marsh skullcap, hooded skullcap)

7/17/2010 · Mackworth Island, Falmouth, Maine · ≈ 8 × 12″ (20 × 31 cm) ID is uncertain

Range:

About this map...