Natural England

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Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2010. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Skullcap - Scutellaria galericulata

Skullcap - Scutellaria galericulataSkullcap - Scutellaria galericulata
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

Skullcap is a perennial with bright blue flowers arranged in pairs and pointing in one direction. The flowers grow out of the leaf axils and the long leaves are shallow toothed and oval.

The plant's common name comes from the shape of the seeds: they look like the helmets worn by Roman soldiers. Skullcap is found on the edges of streams and ponds and is an ideal plant for similar situations in a garden.

Long-tongued bees will feed on skullcap and one leaf beetle, Phyllobrotica quadrimaculata, is specific to it.

Animals

Bees and wasps, Beetles

FoliageGreen
FlowerPurple, July to September
MoistureAverage (Average)
SunlightFull sun to Part-shadeFull sun to Part-shade (Full sun to Part-shade)
OriginNative
784