The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Skullcap

General Information

Scutellaria albida is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeastern Europe to Central Asia.

Habitat

Rocky situations[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Of easy cultivation, requiring a sunny position and succeeding in most soils[]. Dislikes very dry soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Skullcap is a sedative, a nervine tonic and antispasmodic. The plant contains scutellarin a flavonoid glycoside, and many other flavones. Also bitter iridoids (catalpol), volatile oils and waxes - mainly C31, C33 and C35 hydrocarbons, and tannins[]. It is used mainly as a tonic and sedative for the nerves in times of stress[]. It is reported to help support and nourish the nervous system and in doing so, relieve stress and anxiety[]. Its antispasmodic properties are also considered useful where worry/anxiety cause muscular tension. It has a specific use in the treatment of seizure, hysteria and epilepsy[]. The aerial parts of the plant are harvested in the summer when the plant is in flower, and can be dried for later use[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow outdoors in situ in late spring[]
If there is only a small quantity of seed it is better to sow it in a pot in a cold frame in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring just before new growth begins. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.