Beautiful Large-Flowered Skullcap
Large-flowered Skullcap: A Botanical Treasure of the Southeastern Woodlands
The Large-flowered Skullcap is a rare and striking perennial wildflower that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to the southeastern United States, particularly in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee and northern Georgia, this enchanting plant is cherished not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its conservation significance. With its bold blossoms and ecological specificity, the large-flowered skullcap is a symbol of the rich biodiversity found in America's woodland ecosystems.
Botanical Profile
Scientific Name: Scutellaria montana
Common Name: Large-flowered Skullcap
Family: Lamiaceae
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 30–60 cm
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer ay
Conservation Status: Federally listed as Threatened in the United States
Description and Identification
The large-flowered skullcap lives up to its name by producing one of the most spectacular floral displays among the Scutellaria genus. Its lavender to bluish-purple flowers are relatively large, tubular in shape, and two-lipped—traits characteristic of many mint family members. The upper lip forms a hood-like structure, while the lower lip flares out into a prominent landing pad, often marked with whitish patches or dark streaks to attract pollinators.
Leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate, and slightly toothed along the edges. They emit a mild aroma when crushed, another typical trait of the mint family. The stems are square-shaped and lightly hairy, and the plant grows in a somewhat upright, bushy habit.
Habitat and Distribution
Large-flowered skullcap is a woodland species that thrives in the dappled shade of mixed hardwood and pine forests. It prefers dry to mesic soils, often on slopes or ridges with well-drained, acidic soils. In its native range in Tennessee and Georgia, it is typically found at elevations between 300 and 900 meters.
| Device | cannon eos 700D |
|---|---|
| Lens | 55-250 zoom leans |
| Location | Bangladesh |
