Description
Scutellaria oblonga (also called Oblong Skullcap, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to the southeastern United States. It has a basal rosette of leaves and a tall stem with small, two-lipped, blue flowers. It grows in moist, open woods, meadows, and along streams.
Uses & Benefits
Scutellaria oblonga is used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, skin ailments, and as a diuretic. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food for livestock.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Scutellaria oblonga is a bell-shaped, blue-violet corolla with a yellow center. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped nutlet. The seedling is a small, oval-shaped cotyledon with a pair of opposite, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Scutellaria oblonga is a perennial herb native to North America. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by division in the spring or by seed in the fall. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame and kept moist until germination occurs. Division should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.