Details
Native to the United States, Virginia Skullcap is a spreading perennial. It can be found in North America’s Eastern coast, from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas. It’s also found in parts of Europe and Southern Canada. Its small blue flowers bloom from July through September. The two-lobed flowers resemble the military helmets worn by early European settlers, hence the herb’s name.
In New England in 1772, it was promoted as an effective cure for rabies, hence its common name “Mad Dog.” This claim was later rejected, and herbalists began to focus on the plant’s significant value.
The above-ground parts of skullcap can be used in daily herbal teas. Herbalists claim that it’s an effective headache remedy, great for insomnia, and also helps with calming and strengthening the nervous system. It is also used to promote emotional wellbeing and relaxation during times of occasional distress. The dried leaves can be put into a pillow to encourage a restful sleep.
Skullcap is not toxic in normal amounts, although overdoses of skullcap tincture may cause confusion, giddiness, stupor, and seizures. Due to its use in expelling afterbirth, it should not be used by pregnant women.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Scutellaria lateriflora |
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Life Cycle | Perennial |
Min. Time to Germinate | 14 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 6 Months |
Depth to Sow Seeds | Just Cover; barely cover with soil |
When to Sow | Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past, Outdoors in early spring, a month before the last spring frost |
Growing Height | 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
Plant Spacing | 15-18 in. (38-45 cm) |
Hardiness | USDA Zone 2b: to -40F, USDA Zone 3a: to -35F, USDA Zone 3b: to -30F, USDA Zone 4a: to -25F, USDA Zone 4b: to -20F, USDA Zone 5a: to -15F, USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade |
Danger | N/A |
Bloom Color | Light Blue |
Bloom Time | Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Fall, Mid-Summer |
Foliage | Herbaceous |
Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
Propagation Methods | By dividing the rootball, From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; stratify if sowing indoors, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
Seed Collecting | Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
Seeds Per Pack | 50 |