XBritton's Skullcap (Scutellaria brittonii)X
Click/Tap a thumbnail image to see its larger image with informational details.
-
Britton's Skullcap (Scutellaria brittonii), family Lamiaceae (Mint)
It's easy to see where the name Skullcap comes from with this flower...when it is looked at in profile. The genus Scutellaria hosts about 300 species including brittonii, which is native to the United States. Information is scant on the perennial forb/herb. The plants can grow up to 10" in height. The plants in the area we found were rather few, only about 3 were blooming, none over about 4" tall. The plants are fire-resistant. William Weber (Colorado Flora, Eastern Slope) lists only three members of the genus in Colorado, one - laterifolia - is discussed below:
USES: Skullcap was once called mad-dog weed because of its use during the eighteenth century to treat rabies. In addition, Native Americans used skullcap as a sedative, tranquilizer, and digestive aid. Other cultures have used it as sedative and to lower fevers. Products containing skullcap should not be used in pregnancy or lactation. Before beginning herbal treatment. People should consult a physician, practitioner, or herbalist.
Flower -
Plant location: Mark found this lovely little plant off the roadside along
Left Hand Canyon Drive, Boulder County Colorado on June 9, 2010. GPS coordinates: N40?06.427 W105?19.134 - Elevation: 5522'. The plants are found only in Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska. Plant -
Bloom season: May through July. Leaf conformation opposite - they originate from the stem in pairs.Foliage -
Hayden-Green Mountain hike - Colorado - May 17, 2015
Developing buds -
-
Hayden-Green Mountain hike - Colorado - May 17, 2015
Leaves deeply veined and heavily pubescent (hairy). -
-
Left Hand Canyon Drive, Boulder County Colorado, June 9, 2010
Mark shows the plant in scale with his motorcycle keys. -
-
Left Hand Canyon Drive, Boulder County Colorado, June 9, 2010
Flower in profile -
-
-