Scutellaria barbata Seeds | Barbed Skullcap
LATIN NAME: Scutellaria barbata
COMMON NAME: Barbed Skullcap
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Barbed Skullcap (Scutellaria barbata) stands out as a herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to wet, open ground of the eastern Asia. A slender, branching herb of damp ground and streamside, barbed skullcap is easy to overlook until it flowers. Flowers are small but bright, and a good patch of plant in flower glows blue in damp corner. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the mint family, Scutellaria barbata contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Chemistry of the whole plant has been studied by the researchers of the natural products, and the herb has been looked at for its place in the traditional ways of the region. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
Barbed Skullcap brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. For damp corner and streamside garden, barbed skullcap is a fine, bright plant. Its small, two-lipped, blue-violet flowers open through summer, and they draw small bees and hoverflies of damp garden. The whole herb has a long traditional history in the region, and its bright, blue flowering has made it a valued plant of the moist border. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Skullcap root, Huang Qin, is one of the most-used Chinese heat-clearing herbs, its baicalin and baicalein flavones studied for anti-inflammatory, antiviral and calming effects; the American skullcap leaf is Western herbalism’s gentle nerve tonic.
Growing from Seed
Barbed Skullcap is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
It comes from wet, open ground of the eastern asia, which is the best clue to the conditions it enjoys in cultivation. Barbed Skullcap has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
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