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Description
Scutellaria Cardiophylla, commonly known as Heart-leaved Skullcap, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in moist meadows, stream banks, and wooded areas. The plant can reach a height of up to 2 feet and has a spread of 1-2 feet. It is a highly ornamental plant with showy blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Scutellaria |
Appearance
The Heart-leaved Skullcap has a bushy growth habit and produces multiple stems from the base. The stems are square-shaped and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are heart-shaped with a toothed margin and grow opposite each other on the stem. They are about 1-2 inches long and 1-1.5 inches wide. The flowers are blue, tubular, and arranged in dense spikes at the top of the stems. They are about 1/2 inch long and have a two-lipped calyx that ends in a hood-like structure.
Care Guide
Heart-leaved Skullcap is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
- Soil: Plant the Heart-leaved Skullcap in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. In hot climates, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Hardiness Zones: Heart-leaved Skullcap is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Heart-leaved Skullcap is generally pest and disease-resistant but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot in poorly drained soil. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and keep the foliage dry.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and do not overwater.
Habitat
The Heart-leaved Skullcap is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in moist meadows, stream banks, and wooded areas. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The plant is a valuable source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Heart-leaved Skullcap a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Heart-leaved Skullcap has been used in traditional medicine to treat anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation.
Q: Can Heart-leaved Skullcap be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, Heart-leaved Skullcap can be propagated by stem cuttings in the spring or fall.
Q: How often should I fertilize Heart-leaved Skullcap?
A: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
Q: How tall does Heart-leaved Skullcap grow?
A: Heart-leaved Skullcap can reach a height of up to 2 feet and has a spread of 1-2 feet.
Related Plants
- Scutellaria Altissima
- Scutellaria Lateriflora
- Scutellaria Integrifolia
- Scutellaria Baicalensis
References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Scutellaria Cardiophylla
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Scutellaria Cardiophylla
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Scutellaria Cardiophylla
