Scutellaria tuberosa Benth.

Taxonomic Identity and Growth Habit

Scutellaria tuberosa Benth. is a perennial herb that grows one or more erect stems up to around 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) tall, sprouting from a tuberous root system.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems are covered in short, spreading hairs that measure 1 to 3 millimeters (0.039 to 0.118 inches) long.

Leaf Morphology

The plant produces ovate leaves arranged oppositely along the stem; its lowest leaves grow on short petioles 5 to 20 millimeters (0.20 to 0.79 inches) long.

Flower Arrangement and Pedicels

Flowers grow out of leaf axils, attached to pedicels 2 to 4 millimeters (0.079 to 0.157 inches) long.

Calyx Morphology

Each flower sits within a 4 to 5.5 millimeter (0.16 to 0.22 inch) long calyx that has a transverse ridge on its upper lip.

Corolla Appearance

The tubular corolla is 13 to 20 millimeters (0.51 to 0.79 inches) long, violet-blue in color, and its lower lip is covered in white patches or spots.

Corolla Pubescence

The inner surface of the corolla ranges from hairless (glabrous) to covered in long hairs.

Fruit Characteristics

This species produces black fruit.

General Distribution Range

Scutellaria tuberosa is widely distributed across the California Floristic Province, ranging from southern Oregon and most of California down to northern Baja California.

Distribution Exclusions

It is generally not found in California's deserts or most of the Central Valley, with the exception of the Sutter Buttes.

Southern Distribution Limit

Its southernmost distribution reaches approximately the foothills of Ensenada in Baja California.

Elevation Range

The plant grows in a wide range of habitats located below 1,450 meters (4,760 feet).

Habitat Preferences

It is most common in dry areas, chaparral, and oak woodland, and often grows in areas that have been recently cleared by wildfire.