Large skullcap (Scutellaria columnae, Fl. Pedem. 1: 40 (1785))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Fl. Pedem. 1: 40 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scutellaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Europe, NW. Africa

Description

Large skullcap (Scutellaria columnae) is a captivating herbaceous plant notable for its intricate flowers and medicinal properties. Holding a significant place within the Lamiaceae family, this plant enriches the landscapes of Southern Europe and Northwestern Africa, where its native habitat lies.

First described in detail by Allioni in “Flora Pedemontana” in 1785, Large skullcap has since been admired for its ornamental appeal and traditional uses. The plant exhibits an upright growth with sturdy stems, often reaching moderate heights. Its leaves, typically broad and slightly serrated, are arranged oppositely on the stem, a characteristic feature of many Lamiaceae members.

The flowering aspect of Large skullcap is particularly striking. It produces an array of tubular flowers, ranging in hues from blue to purple, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract a variety of pollinators. The corolla of each flower is uniquely shaped, often described as helmet-like or hooded, which is a nod to the plant’s common name.

Beyond its visual appeal, Scutellaria columnae has been utilized in traditional medicine, valued for its supposed calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Though historical uses have been documented, modern scientific evaluations are ongoing to confirm these benefits.

In its natural environment, Large skullcap thrives in well-drained soils, often found in meadows and light woodlands. It prefers regions that provide ample sunlight, although it can tolerate partial shade. This adaptability makes it an ideal candidate for cultivation in similar climates, benefiting gardeners and botanical enthusiasts alike.

Understanding the ecological and cultural importance of plants like Scutellaria columnae enriches our appreciation for biodiversity and the natural world. As such, it remains a subject of botanical interest and conservation efforts, ensuring its continued presence in the wild and in cultivation.

Common Names

Deu: rispenhelmkraut
Fra: scutellaire de colonna, scutellaire de columna
Eng: large skullcap
Nld: trosglidkruid
En: Large skullcap, Somerset Skullcap
Nl: Trosglidkruid
Fr: Scutellaire de Colonna, Scutellaire de columna
De: Rispenhelmkraut, Rispen-Helmkraut
It: Scutellaria di Colonna

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• France (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 31, 2022 by Erik Berkhof (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Erik Berkhof (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Anna Out (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by emmanuelle baudry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2020 by Matthieu Groenewegen (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Anna Out (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by emmanuelle baudry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Graziano Lucio (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Luigi Meneghetti (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Henk van den Ende (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2018 by desplis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Natur toujour (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Annelies Groot (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Luigi Meneghetti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by antonio maffei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:458212-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5609719)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scutellaria columnae All.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 7