About Scutellaria lateriflora L.
Scutellaria lateriflora L., commonly known as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap, American skullcap, and side-flowering skullcap, is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to North America. This species has an upright growth habit, reaching a maximum height of 60–80 cm (24–31 inches). It prefers wet environments, growing near marshes, meadows, and other wet habitats. Its blue flowers measure just under 1 cm (0.4 inches) long. Unlike many flowering plants, most of its flowers do not grow at the top of the main stem; instead, they form along the length of side branches that emerge from leaf axils. Related Scutellaria (skullcap) species include common skullcap (S. galericulata), western skullcap (S. canescens), and southern skullcap (S. cordifolia). Extracts of this plant are used in herbal medicine as a mild sedative and to promote sleep. Cherokee women historically used it as an emmenagogue. In 1773, Scutellaria lateriflora became a common treatment in North America for the hysteria and hydrophobia caused by rabies. Analysis of commercial skullcap products has found that some are adulterated with Teucrium canadense or Teucrium chamaedrys, also called germander. Germander contains diterpenes that are potentially toxic to the liver.
