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Also known as Mad Dog Skullcap and Virginia Skullcap, this is a long lived hardy perennial herb from the mint family, native to North America from Quebec and Newfoundland in the North to Florida in the South – clearly adapted to many climate zones! It grows naturally in wet environments such as marshy meadows, floodplains, ponds and streams, and spreads on runners. It is worth growing for its attractive blue flowers alone. Unusually, most of these flowers do not appear at the top of the main stem, but are produced along the length of side branches that grow from the leaf axils (the species name lateriflora denoting ‘side flowers’). Height to 80cm. Winter dormant.
9cm pot
Main photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutellaria_lateriflora; Gallery photos: Kahikatea Farm
Enjoys moist, rich soil but not waterlogging, which will cause root rot. Keep well watered in Summer. Full sun or part-shade (shade is especially more welcome in the hotter parts of the country). Enjoys some humidity. Divide patches in early Spring or Autumn.
Extracts of Blue Skullcap have been used traditionally in herbal medicine as a mild sedative to treat anxiety, headaches, hypertension and as a sleep promoter. Modern studies show significant antioxidant effects, and potential protective effects against neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and depression. It’s thought that the plant extracts positively impact mood and reduce anxiety by stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves.
Primary Actions: astringent, hypnotic, nervine tonic, spasmolytic, antitumor, anti-angiogenesis, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, antiviral
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers
Energetics: Drying, cooling
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
