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Description
Scutellaria Californica, commonly known as California Skullcap, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the western United States. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is known for its medicinal properties. The plant has small blue to purple flowers arranged in spikes, arising from the leaf axils. It grows up to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 3 feet wide. The plant has a long blooming period, starting from May and extending to November.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Scutellaria |
Appearance
Scutellaria Californica has an attractive appearance with its small blue to purple flowers and green foliage. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, with a toothed margin, and are 1-2 inches long. The stems are square, slightly hairy, and branched. The plant has a bushy growth habit, and the flowers arise from the leaf axils in spikes that are 6-18 inches long. The flowers are tubular, two-lipped, and about 3/4 inch long. They have a striking blue to purple color and are attractive to pollinators.
Care Guide
Scutellaria Californica is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for California Skullcap:Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering during the dormant period.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Plant the California Skullcap in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: Scutellaria Californica is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scutellaria Californica is generally not bothered by pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap.Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap.Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot. To prevent this, plant the California Skullcap in well-draining soil and water it deeply but infrequently.
Habitat
Scutellaria Californica is native to the western United States, ranging from Oregon to California. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and chaparral. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scutellaria Californica deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Scutellaria Californica is deer-resistant.Q: Can I grow Scutellaria Californica in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Scutellaria Californica in a container. Use a well-draining potting mix and water it deeply once a week.Q: Can I propagate Scutellaria Californica from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Scutellaria Californica from cuttings taken in the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil.Q: Is Scutellaria Californica toxic to pets?
A: Scutellaria Californica is not known to be toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep pets away from plants that they are not familiar with.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Scutellaria Californica:
- Scutellaria lateriflora (Mad-dog Skullcap)
- Scutellaria ovata (Heartleaf Skullcap)
- Scutellaria incana (Downy Skullcap)
References
- “Scutellaria californica.” Las Pilitas Native Plant Nursery. Accessed April 8, 2021. http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/scutellaria-californica.
- “Scutellaria californica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed April 8, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282285.
- “Scutellaria californica.” San Francisco Botanical Garden. Accessed April 8, 2021. https://www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org/garden/our-plants/plant-finder/scutellaria-californica.html.
