Norfolk skullcap (Scutellaria hastifolia, Sp. Pl.: 599 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 599 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scutellaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to W. Siberia and Caucasus

Description

The Norfolk skullcap, scientifically known as Scutellaria hastifolia, is a remarkable member of the Lamiaceae family. Originating from a broad geographical range that extends from Europe to Western Siberia and the Caucasus, this species has captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Described in 1753, the Norfolk skullcap was first introduced in the comprehensive plant catalog “Species Plantarum” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often noted as “L.” in botanical references. This foundational work laid the groundwork for modern plant taxonomy, underscoring the historical significance and established recognition of Scutellaria hastifolia within the scientific community.

Renowned for its unique floral structures and foliage, the Norfolk skullcap stands out in its natural habitats. The plant’s distinct, often lance-shaped leaves are a defining feature, contributing to its botanical name “hastifolia,” which hints at the shape resembling spear points. These leaves form a robust backdrop for the vibrant, tubular flowers that emerge during the blooming season, typically showcasing hues of blue to violet. The flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

As a member of the Lamiaceae family, the Norfolk skullcap shares several features characteristic of this group, including its square stems and aromatic foliage. This aromatic quality is a trait seen in many Lamiaceae members, which include other well-known plants like mint, lavender, and rosemary.

Scutellaria hastifolia can be found thriving in various environments, from the open fields of Europe to the diverse landscapes of Western Siberia and the Caucasus. Its adaptability to different soil types and environmental conditions makes it a resilient species, capable of enduring a range of climatic variations.

For those interested in cultivating the Norfolk skullcap, it is essential to provide conditions that mimic its natural habitats. This typically means ensuring good soil drainage, adequate sunlight, and moderate watering practices. When properly cared for, the plant can be a stunning addition to any garden, offering both visual interest and ecological benefits.

The Norfolk skullcap remains an intriguing subject for further botanical research and horticultural exploration. Its historical significance, combined with its ecological and aesthetic contributions, continues to make Scutellaria hastifolia a plant of great interest and value.

Common Names

Eng: norfolk skullcap
Deu: spießblättriges helmkraut
Dan: spydbladet skjolddrager
Fin: keihäsvuohennokka
Swe: keihäsvuohennokka, toppfrossört
Lav: škeplapu kiverene
Nno: toppskjoldberar
Nob: toppskjoldbærer
Cym: cwcwll y coed, cycyllog gwaywddail, cycyllog y coed
En: Norfolk Skullcap
Be: Шлёмнік кап’ялісты
Bg: Копиелистна превара
Cs: Šišák hrálovitý
Da: Spydbladet skjolddrager
Et: Odalehine tihashein
Fi: Keihäsvuohennokka
Fr: Scutellaire à feuilles hastées, Scutellaire hastée
De: Spieß-Helmkraut, Spießblättriges Helmkraut
It: Scutellaria lanciforme
Lv: Škeplapu kiverene
Lt: Iečialapė kalpokė
Nb: Toppskjoldbærer
Nn: Toppskjoldberar
Pl: Tarczyca oszczepowata
Ru: Шлемник копьелистный
Sv: Toppfrossört, Keihäsvuohennokka
Cy: Cycyllog gwaywddail, Cwcwll y Coed, Cycyllog y Coed

Synonyms

• Cassida hastifolia ((L.) Scop.)
• Scutellaria dubia (Taliev & Sirj.)
• Scutellaria hastifolia var. roseoalba (G.Delaunay)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Dominique Duveau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2022 by Bogdan Nesic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Radoslav Marinkovic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2019 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Radoslav Marinkovic (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Alzbeta Zachova (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jun 20, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

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

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 5, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Stéphane BARBIER (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5609333)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:458313-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scutellaria hastifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth