Skullcap

Name:
*Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)


Description:
*hardy perennial
*best in zones 4-8
*more than one species, but S. lateriflora is the best medicinal plant

Parts Used:
*flowering aerial parts, preferably fresh
*one reference said you can dry the aerial parts for medicinal purposes, another reference said to use only fresh...must find out more about this...

Position:
*well-drained and moist soil
*full sun to light shade

Propagation:
*propagate from seed: do cold stratification for at least 1 week, then sow seeds in seed trays/flats indoors under gentle heat in late winter. Transplant outdoors after all dangers of frost. It may take seeds a while before germination occurs
*you can also propagate from dividing roots in early spring
*you can also propagate from root cuttings taken in the spring

Maintenance:
*do moderate watering: its' natural habitat is in places with moist springs
*keep well weeded

Harvesting:
*harvest when in full flower by cutting plant to 3 inches above the ground
*as previously mentioned, one source said you can dry the flowering aerial parts, another source said to use fresh...

Medicinal:
*excellent remedy for anxiety, , stress, nervousness, depression, insomnia, headaches, and hysteria

For additional information, see: references and warnings