Common Skullcap is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in water margins and wetlands, to a mature height of up to 30cm.
Skullcap takes its name from the shape and darker colouring of an area at the top of the flower 'hood'. Although basically two-lipped in structure, the flower also has a funnelled-tubular shape, extending a long way from the calyx. Another distinguishing characteristic is that Skullcap bears its flowers in pairs.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Skullcap is a member of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family. The genus name
'Scutellaria' identifies the plant as a Skullcap and its species name 'galericulata' means 'capped (calyx shape)'.
Benefits: The Common Skullcap is the only food plant of the Skullcap Leaf bettle.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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