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Helmet Flower, Hissopleaf Skullcap, Helmet Skullcap, Hyssop Skullcap - Scutellaria integrifolia


Family: Lamiaceae - Mint family Genus Common Name: Skullcap Native Status: NativeDicot Perennial Herb
Scutellaria integrifolia - Helmet Flower, Hissopleaf Skullcap, Helmet Skullcap, Hyssop Skullcap. Scutellaria integrifolia is an early summer wildflower found in fields and open woods. It is usually between 9 inches and 2 feet tall, and may have a branch or two in the stem. The stem and branches are terminated with clusters of blue, pink, or occasionally white flowers.

Endangered in Connecticut and New York, it is found in 23 of our eastern states

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Check here for more information about Scutellaria integrifolia.
Scutellaria integrifolia

Distribution of Scutellaria integrifolia in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Chickamauga National Military Park, GA Date: 2010-May-31Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Each stem is terminated with a cluster of flowers each on a pedicel. Scutellaria species have a bump on the top of the calyx.
Scutellaria integrifolia
Site: May Prairie State Natural Area, Coffee County, TN Date: 2016-June-01Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
The flowers of Scutellaria integrifolia may occasionally be pure white.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Scutellaria integrifolia
Site: Chickamauga National Military Park, GA Date: 2010-May-31Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
Helmet Flower blossoms are hairy, with some glandular hairs on the corolla tube, calyx, and stem. These specimens are unusual - Skullcaps normally have their stamens and pistils hidden inside the hood-like upper lip; these clearly are not.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Scutellaria integrifolia
Site: Chickamauga National Military Park, GA Date: Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
The lower lip of Scutellaria integrifolia has an irregular edge.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Scutellaria integrifolia
Site: Chickamauga National Military Park, GA Date: 2010-May-31Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
Leaves are opposite and not lobed - simple, giving Helmet Flower the integrifolia epithet. The upper and middle leaves are untoothed (entire) while the lower leaves may be toothed. The stipules - those side leaves - apparently can be highly variable in size.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Scutellaria integrifolia
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Scutellaria integrifolia initially published on USWildflowers.com 2010-08-09; Updated 2015-06-25

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