Scutellaria lateriflora.
Mad Dog Skullcap is a mint-family perennial wildflower native most regions of the United States where it can often be found growing in moist meadows, swamps, bogs, and shorelines.
Plant grows to about 2 feet in height and produces small, bud-like blue to purple flowers that bloom from July through September.
The 'mad dog' portion of its name refers to a disproven belief that the plant could treat rabies, while 'skullcap' refers to the shape of the flowers and seed capsules which slightly resemble helmets worn by soldiers in the Middle Ages.
Used in traditional herbal medicine as a mild sedative, pain reducer, and for treating depression and anxiety.
Mad Dog Skullcap
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Average, moist to wet Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 12 to 18 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: July through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which may be slow and irregular.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.