Skullcap Root cuttings – Scutellaria lateriflora

$8.00

Calming Nervine Herb | Anxiety & Sleep Support | Delicate Perennial

You will receive 3 dormant root cuttings, that will start growing in Spring. Plant as soon as you receive it.

Bring Natural Calm to Your Garden

Add a gentle, healing herb to your garden with Skullcap. This dainty North American native perennial forms neat clumps of square stems with small, opposite, lance-shaped leaves. In summer it produces delicate, hooded blue to violet flowers that resemble tiny helmets or skullcaps — giving the plant its common name.

Skullcap is a classic herb garden favourite, perfect for shady borders, woodland edges, moist beds, or containers. It adds quiet beauty while offering powerful traditional nervous system support.

5 in stock

Description

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

American Skullcap has been a treasured herb in Western herbalism for over 200 years:

  • Nervous System Support: One of the best calming nervines — traditionally used for anxiety, stress, nervous tension, and restlessness.
  • Sleep Aid: Helps promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, especially for racing thoughts or mild insomnia.
  • Stress & Tension Relief: Antispasmodic properties make it useful for tension headaches, muscle twitching, and nervous exhaustion.
  • Other Traditional Uses: Support during withdrawal from addictions, epilepsy (historically), and general emotional balance. Often combined with other calming herbs like valerian or chamomile.

Parts Used: Primarily the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) harvested just before or during full bloom.

Note: A gentle, non-sedating herb for many people. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before using medicinally, especially if pregnant, on medication (particularly sedatives or anticonvulsants), or have liver concerns.

Why Grow Skullcap?

  • Beautiful, pollinator-friendly blue flowers
  • Excellent for shade or moist garden areas
  • Perennial that returns reliably each year
  • Low-maintenance and deer-resistant
  • Valuable addition to any medicinal or relaxing garden
  • Pairs well with other calming herbs like valerian and lemon balm

How to Grow Skullcap

Planting:

  • Plant roots in spring or autumn.
  • Set crowns just below soil level, spacing 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart.
  • Water well after planting.

Soil & Care:

  • Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
  • Partial shade to full sun (afternoon shade ideal in hotter areas).
  • Keep soil consistently moist — mulch to retain moisture.
  • Low-maintenance. Tolerates light frost once established.

Growth & Harvest:

  • Height: 30–60 cm (12–24 inches)
  • Spread: 30–45 cm
  • Blooms: Summer (delicate blue hooded flowers)
  • Harvest: Cut aerial parts when flowering for drying into tea or tinctures. Multiple harvests possible per season.
  • Cut back after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring or autumn.

Skullcap is an easy, rewarding perennial — ideal for both beginner and experienced herbal gardeners.


Ready to grow your own source of natural calm?

Limited seasonal stock! Available May – Sept or until sold out