High Quality Scutellaria Plants For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Scutellaria Plants

Growing perennial plants delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a wide range of Skullcaps-plants of all sizes that are ready for their new home. We are here to help you find the right plant for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Scutellaria, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Scutellaria

1. What is Scutellaria good for?

Scutellaria is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. There are about 300 species of Scutellaria, found mainly in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes.

Scutellaria baicalensis, also known as Chinese skullcap, is the most well-studied species of Scutellaria. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Anxiety: It has been shown to have anxiolytic effects in animal studies. Some small human studies have also shown that it may be effective for treating anxiety disorders.
• Insomnia: It has been shown to have sedative effects in animal studies. Some small human studies have also shown that it may be effective for treating insomnia.
• Inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in animal models of disease.
• Cancer: It has been studied for its potential to prevent and treat cancer. Laboratory studies have shown that it may have anti-cancer effects, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Scutellaria laterifolia, also known as American skullcap, is another species of Scutellaria that is used in traditional medicine. It is also used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It is important to note that Scutellaria is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment.

2. What is the other name for Scutellaria?

The genus Scutellaria encompasses a diverse range of flowering plants, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Depending on the specific species, Scutellaria plants may bear various common names, reflecting their distinctive traits or traditional uses. Here's a glimpse into the alternative names for some notable Scutellaria species:

Scutellaria baicalensis:

1. Chinese Skullcap: This name is widely recognized and alludes to the plant's origin and its traditional usage in Chinese medicine.
2. Huang Qin: This Chinese name translates to "yellow root," referring to the color of the dried root, which is used as a medicinal herb.
3. Baikal Skullcap: This name highlights the plant's native habitat along the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia.

Scutellaria laterifolia:

1. American Skullcap: Similar to its Chinese counterpart, this name reflects the plant's native range in North America.
2. Blue Skullcap: This name draws attention to the vibrant blue flowers of the plant.
3. Mad Dog Skullcap: This unusual name is thought to stem from the plant's reputed ability to calm nervous dogs.
4. Skullcap Herb: This generic name simply highlights the plant's medicinal properties.

In addition to these common names, Scutellaria species may also be referred to by their Latinized names, such as Scutellaria baicalensis or Scutellaria laterifolia. These scientific names provide a precise identification of the plant species, ensuring accurate communication within the scientific community.

3. Where does Scutellaria grow?

Scutellaria, a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, encompasses a diverse range of species with varying distributions across the globe. Here's a breakdown of the geographical distribution of some notable Scutellaria species:

Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap):

1. Native to: China, Mongolia, Russia, Korea, and Japan
2. Habitat: Primarily found in mountainous regions and along riverbanks
3. Optimal conditions: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils with moderate sun exposure

Scutellaria laterifolia (American Skullcap):

1. Native to: North America, extending from Quebec and Newfoundland in the north to Florida in the south
2. Habitat: Frequently found in moist meadows, along streambanks, and in open woodlands
3. Optimal conditions: Prefers moist, fertile soils with partial shade

Scutellaria incana (Downy Skullcap):

1. Native to: Eastern North America, ranging from New York to Florida and west to Texas
2. Habitat: Commonly found in dry, open woods, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas
3. Optimal conditions: Thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with full sun exposure

Scutellaria galericulata (Common Skullcap):

1. Native to: Europe, Asia, and North Africa
2. Habitat: Primarily found in wet meadows, marshes, and along pond margins
3. Optimal conditions: Prefers moist, fertile soils with full sun or partial shade

Scutellaria arenicola (Scrub Skullcap):

1. Native to: Florida
2. Habitat: Found in scrub habitats, sandhills, and pine flatwoods
3. Optimal conditions: Thrives in well-drained, sandy soils with full sun exposure

Please note that these are just a few examples, and the distribution of Scutellaria species can vary within each region.

4. What is the warning for skullcap?

Skullcap is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is generally considered safe when used as directed, but there are some potential side effects and interactions to be aware of.

Possible side effects of skullcap include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Slow heart rate

Skullcap may interact with certain medications, including:

• Sedatives
• Anesthetics
• Blood thinners
• Anticonvulsants

Skullcap is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

It is important to talk to your doctor before using skullcap, especially if you are taking any medications or have any health conditions.

5. Is Scutellaria the same as skullcap?

Scutellaria is the same as skullcap. Scutellaria is the genus to which skullcap belongs. There are many species of Scutellaria, but the most common species used in medicine are Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) and Scutellaria laterifolia (American skullcap).

6. How do you grow Scutellaria?

Growing Scutellaria, also known as skullcap, is a relatively straightforward process that can be accomplished in both indoor and outdoor settings. Here's a step-by-step guide to cultivating Scutellaria successfully:

Soil Preparation and Planting:

1. Choose a Suitable Location: Scutellaria prefers well-drained, fertile soil with partial shade. Avoid areas with excessive waterlogging or intense direct sunlight.
2. Prepare the Soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve drainage and nutrient content. Aim for a slightly acidic soil pH of around 6.0 to 6.5.

Watering and Care:

1. Watering: Water Scutellaria regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
3. Fertilising: Fertilise with a balanced organic fertiliser in spring and autumn. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
4. Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production.

Maintenance and Propagation:

1. Prune Scutellaria plants back to the ground in late fall or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and encourage healthy new growth.
2. Pest and Disease Control: Scutellaria is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids, slugs, and snails, and take appropriate control measures if necessary.

Harvesting and Drying:

1. Harvesting: Harvest Scutellaria flowers when they are fully open and just beginning to fade, typically in mid-summer to early autumn. Cut the flowers with sharp scissors, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
2. Drying: Hang the harvested Scutellaria flowers in a cool, dry, dark place to dry completely. Once dry, crumble the flowers into a jar or airtight container for storage.
3. Storing: Store dried Scutellaria flowers in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Properly dried flowers will retain their aroma and medicinal properties.

Remember, growing Scutellaria is a rewarding experience that allows you to cultivate a beautiful and beneficial plant for your garden or home. With proper care and maintenance, Scutellaria can thrive in your environment and provide you with a natural source of herbal remedies.