Scutellaria ovata Hill

Egg Leaf Skullcap; Heartleaf Skullcap

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Heartleaf Skullcap is a native herbaceous perennial in the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is found primarily in the northern half of the state with scattered locations in the southern half. It occurs in mesic deciduous woodlands, in dry rocky woods, and on ravine slopes often in areas with calcareous soils. It is a perennial with slender stolons. Stems are erect, usually unbranched, 6 inches-2 feet in height, green in color, pubescent, and 4-angeled. Leaves are opposite, petiolate, ovate to ovate lanceolate in outline, pubescent, with crenate margins and cordate bases. Flower are produced in 1-3 terminal racemes. Individual flowers are subtended by ovate bracts. The corolla is 2-lipped with the upper lip 3-lobed and the lower lip un-lobed. The corolla is blue to violet in color. The lower lip of the corolla often has a white patch in its center that is spotted with blue or purple. The fruit is a mericarp. Heartleaf Skullcap is sometimes available from native plant nurseries. It prefers a rich, loamy soil in full to partial sun. Plants are drought tolerant and deer resistant.—A. Diamond

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Native

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