Helmet Skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia) is just stunning when in full bloom in my wildflower garden. I just love the deep blue color, and they remind me of little snapdragons. It attracts a variety of pollinators including a wide range of bees, as well as some butterflies, like the Gulf fritillary, Eastern black swallowtail or Spicebush swallowtail.
Helmut Skullcap dies back to the ground in the winter. In the spring, it emerges with arrow shaped leaves, sometimes with a reddish tinge. They may grow to 2 to 2-1/2 feet tall, and the flowers appear in the summer. They are pollinated by the bees mostly, and the occasional butterfly visitor. They produce a large number of seeds, and the next spring may pop up all over. This is one plant that is easily removed or potted up to give to friends (or donate to native plant auctions, like the ones we have at our Villages’ Chapter of FNPS meetings – when we can get back together.
RESOURCES:
July 2018 when first planted in my wildflower garden
May 2019 Helmut Skullcap is back for year 2 June 2019 Helmut Skullcap in full bloom
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