Contents
Description
Scutellaria Galericulata, commonly known as Marsh Skullcap, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and grows in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks. The plant has a square stem that can grow up to 60 cm tall and has opposite leaves that are oblong to lanceolate in shape. Marsh Skullcap blooms in summer, producing blue-purple flowers that are arranged in whorls around the stem. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Scutellaria |
Appearance
Marsh Skullcap has a square stem that can grow up to 60 cm tall and has opposite leaves that are oblong to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are green and can be up to 10 cm long. The plant blooms in summer, producing blue-purple flowers that are arranged in whorls around the stem. The flowers are small, only about 1 cm long, and have a hooded upper lip and a lower lip with three lobes. Marsh Skullcap has a shallow root system and can spread quickly in the right conditions.
Care Guide
Marsh Skullcap prefers wet soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. The plant does not require much fertilizer but can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer. Marsh Skullcap is not picky about soil type but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The plant is relatively low maintenance and does not need regular pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms.
Common Pests & Diseases
Marsh Skullcap is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to rust, which appears as orange spots on the leaves. This can be treated with a fungicide. The plant can also be attacked by spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Marsh Skullcap is native to wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks in Europe, Asia, and North America. It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. The plant can be found in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and is often used in wetland restoration projects.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Marsh Skullcap be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Marsh Skullcap can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant receives partial shade.
Q: Is Marsh Skullcap deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Marsh Skullcap is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Marsh Skullcap be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Marsh Skullcap has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
Q: Is Marsh Skullcap invasive?
A: Marsh Skullcap can spread quickly in the right conditions but is not considered invasive.
Related Plants
- Scutellaria lateriflora (Mad-Dog Skullcap)
- Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap)
- Scutellaria ovata (Heartleaf Skullcap)
References
- “Scutellaria galericulata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b935>.
- “Scutellaria galericulata.” Plants For A Future. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021. <https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Scutellaria+galericulata>.
- “Scutellaria galericulata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/23282/Scutellaria-galericulata/Details>.
