Hairy Skullcap
Scutellaria elliptica
The genus name Scutellaria comes from the Latin 'scutella', meaning a small dish, describing the shape of the persistent calyx after the petals fall.
- Scientific name
- Scutellaria elliptica
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Lamiales › Lamiaceae › Scutellaria
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Dry upland forests, rocky slopes, and open woodlands.
- Diet
- Autotroph (Photosynthesis via sunlight, water, and soil nutrients).
- Range
- Eastern United States, Midwest United States, Appalachian Mountains
- Size
- 30 to 60 centimeters in height.
- Lifespan
- Perennial (3-7 years)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation and competition from invasive forest floor species like garlic mustard.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. This plant is safe to observe closely. Avoid picking the wildflowers to ensure seed dispersal; if you touch the plant, no special action is required as it is non-toxic to skin.
Scutellaria elliptica , commonly called hairy skullcap , is a species of flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is a perennial forb found in the southeastern and mid-eastern states of the United States. It has blue flowers.
Photo: Yann Kemper, CC0, via iNaturalist
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