Scutellaria californica
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California Skullcap
California Skullcap is an endemic, fast growing perennial that grows 1-1.5 feet tall with green leaves and small cream colored flowers that resemble skulls, hence their name.
This species is a great rhizomatous ground cover! It can tolerate full sun but would benefit from afternoon shade. It will go dormant during the dry season.
Its fragrance is said to resemble apples.
It is found in the low elevation forests of northern California and scrublands.
Lifeform:
Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Other: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Moths, Drought Tolerant, Ground Cover
| Ecological Value | Likely larval host for the Verbena Bud Moth, and provides nectar and pollen for butterflies |
|---|---|
| Historical Uses | The Mendocino tribe uses Skullcap as a medicine for chills and fevers |
| Distribution | Scrub and low elevation mountains of Northern California |
| Elevation | 39" – 8026" |
| Habitat | Open places at edges of woodlands and chaparral. |
| Communities | Douglas-Fir Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Red Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest |