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Skullcap - Live Plant

SKU: PLANT-019

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Skullcap

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Description
About Skullcap
How to use Skullcap
FAQ

Description

Enrich your garden with the enigmatic allure of our Skullcap Live Plant. This captivating botanical specimen boasts a distinctive appearance, characterized by its intriguing skull-shaped blossoms, which are sure to intrigue and fascinate any onlooker. Not only does this resilient perennial herb serve as a visual delight, but it also offers practical benefits. Renowned for its adaptability to various environmental conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and its ability to thrive in both moist and dry soils, this plant effortlessly enhances any landscape.

It is available in a 3.5” pot ready to produce delicate blue flowers to not only attract pollinators but also serve as a source of inspiration for herbalists and nature enthusiasts alike.

About Skullcap

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a herbaceous perennial native to North America, thriving in moist woodlands and along stream banks. Its slender stems can reach heights of up to two feet, adorned with pairs of opposite, lance-shaped leaves. Its delicate blue to purple flowers bloom along the stems, each sporting a distinctive hood-like structure, reminiscent of a tiny helmet or skull.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Skullcap boasts a rich history of medicinal use, particularly in traditional herbal medicine. Its primary medicinal properties are attributed to its active compounds, including flavonoids and various phenolic acids, which are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and nervine properties. In herbal medicine, Skullcap is revered for its calming and sedative effects on the nervous system, making it a popular remedy for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension. It is often brewed into teas, tinctures, or extracts, offering relief from stress and promoting relaxation without the sedative side effects.

How to use Skullcap

Tincture: Dried skullcap leaves and stems are finely chopped and soaked in grain alcohol for a period of 4 to 6 weeks to create a potent tincture.
Tea: Dried skullcap leaves and flowers are steeped in hot water for approximately 10 minutes to produce a fragrant and calming tea.
Salve: A blend of skullcap-infused oil, obtained by macerating dried leaves and flowers in a carrier oil, can be combined with beeswax to craft a soothing salve suitable for topical application.
Vinegar infusion: Dried skullcap leaves and stems are immersed in apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a duration of 2 to 4 weeks. The mixture is periodically shaken, and additional vinegar may be added during the infusion process, resulting in a nourishing skullcap vinegar infusion.

Skullcap - Live Plant Frequently Asked Questions

Is Skullcap an annual or perennial plant?

Skullcap is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It tends to come back year after year, provided it is given suitable growing conditions and care.

How much space should be needed to grow Skullcap?

Skullcap plants typically require about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) of space between each plant when planting them in a garden bed or border. This spacing allows ample room for the plants to grow and spread comfortably without overcrowding, ensuring optimal air circulation and light exposure. However, if you're growing a skullcap in containers, choose a pot with a diameter of at least 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) to accommodate its root system and provide adequate space for growth.

What zone does Skullcap grow in?

Skullcap is native to North America and typically thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.

When should I harvest Skullcap?

Skullcap is best harvested during its flowering period, which typically occurs in mid to late summer. This is when the plant's medicinal properties are most concentrated. Harvest the aerial parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, using sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Does Skullcap flower or fruit?

Yes, Skullcap does produce flowers, but it typically does not produce fruits in the traditional sense. The flowers of Skullcap are small and tubular, ranging in color from blue to purple, depending on the species or variety. These flowers are usually borne on spikes or racemes and are often quite attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.