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Description
Scutellaria Pekinensis Var. Ussuriensis, also known as the Chinese Skullcap, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to China, Korea, and Russia, and is primarily grown for its medicinal properties. The plant has square stems that can grow up to 60 cm in height and produces blue to purple flowers that bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Scutellaria |
Appearance
The Chinese Skullcap has a bushy growth habit and can spread up to 30 cm. The leaves are oval-shaped, toothed, and have a slightly fuzzy texture. The flowers are two-lipped and have a distinctive shape, with a tube-like base and a wider top that resembles a helmet. They are usually blue or purple, but can sometimes be pink or white. The plant blooms from June to August and produces small, black seeds in the fall.
Care Guide
Scutellaria Pekinensis Var. Ussuriensis is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: The Chinese Skullcap prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.- Sunlight: The Chinese Skullcap prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chinese Skullcap is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by a few common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can cause root rot, which can lead to wilting and death of the plant. Make sure the soil is well-drained and water the plant only when necessary.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Scutellaria Pekinensis Var. Ussuriensis is native to China, Korea, and Russia. It is often found growing in meadows, along streambanks, and in other moist, open areas. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Chinese Skullcap edible?
A: While the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible, they are not commonly used for culinary purposes.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of the Chinese Skullcap?
A: The plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia.
Q: Can the Chinese Skullcap be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has enough space to spread out and the soil is well-drained.
Q: Does the Chinese Skullcap attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Scutellaria Pekinensis Var. Ussuriensis:- Scutellaria baicalensis- Scutellaria lateriflora- Scutellaria galericulata- Scutellaria integrifolia- Scutellaria incana
References
– “Scutellaria Pekinensis Var. Ussuriensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286470&isprofile=0&.- “Chinese Skullcap.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17299/i-scutellaria-pekinensis-i-var-i-ussuriensis-i/details.
