Contents
Description
Scutellaria Ovata, commonly known as heartleaf skullcap, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is known for its medicinal properties. It typically grows up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 3 feet wide.The plant has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers are tubular and grow in spikes that are up to 6 inches long. The flowers are typically blue or purple in color, but can also be white or pink.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Scutellaria |
Appearance
Scutellaria Ovata is a beautiful plant with heart-shaped leaves and tubular flowers that grow in spikes. The leaves are dark green in color and grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers are typically blue or purple in color, but can also be white or pink.The plant typically grows up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 3 feet wide. It has a clumping habit and can be easily propagated through division.
Care Guide
Scutellaria Ovata is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant the Scutellaria Ovata in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Scutellaria Ovata is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scutellaria Ovata is relatively pest and disease-free, but can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Root rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet. Make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Use an insecticidal soap to control the infestation.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating to appear on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control the infestation.
Habitat
Scutellaria Ovata is native to North America and can be found growing in meadows, woodlands, and along stream banks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scutellaria Ovata edible?
A: No, Scutellaria Ovata is not edible. It is primarily grown for its medicinal properties.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Scutellaria Ovata?
A: Scutellaria Ovata is known for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. It has been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation.
Q: How do I propagate Scutellaria Ovata?
A: Scutellaria Ovata can be easily propagated through division. Simply dig up the plant and divide the clumps into smaller sections. Replant the sections in well-drained soil.
Q: How do I prune Scutellaria Ovata?
A: Prune the plant in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Scutellaria Ovata:- Scutellaria Barbata- Scutellaria Lateriflora- Scutellaria Baicalensis- Scutellaria Galericulata- Scutellaria Integrifolia
References
– “Scutellaria Ovata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287837.- “Heartleaf Skullcap.” North Carolina State Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/heartleaf-skullcap.- “Scutellaria Ovata.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Scutellaria+ovata.
