Scutellaria integrifolia Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Scutellaria integrifolia L. – Helmet Skullcap

Scutellaria integrifolia plant

FamilyLamiaceae

Stems:

Scutellaria integrifolia stem

Leaves:

Scutellaria integrifolia leaves

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Scutellaria integrifolia calyxCalyx close-up.

Scutellaria integrifolia flower

Scutellaria integrifolia flower

Flowering – May – August.

Habitat – Sandhills, flatwoods, moist hammocks, low woods, roadsides.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive species can be found throughout Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its pubescent stems, big, blue flowers, and cuneate, entire leaves. The leaves are typically rounded at the apices. The genus name Scutellaria derives from the Latin “scutell(a)” meaning “a dish” in reference to the expanded fruiting calyx.
The species epithet integrifolia derives from the Latin “integ(r)” meaning “whole, complete” and “foli(a)” meaning “a leaf” referring to the mostly entire leaves of the plant.

Alabama Distribution:

Scutellaria integrifolia map

Photographs taken off County Road 43, Macon County, AL., 5-14-05.