Britton's Skullcap

Description:

The trumpet-shaped flowers of scutellaria brittonii are formed of a narrow tube which widens towards the top, and opens to two lips, the upper narrow and hooded, the lower flared, and partly divided into three lobes. The tube is whitish around the base becoming blue or purple at the top. The center of the lower lip is crossed by a white or paler blue stripe. Flowers are between 1 and 1.5 inches long. Flowers usually form in pairs from the leaf nodes, and bloom in stages; the lower buds open first. The reddish-purple calyx has two lips of approximately equal size; the upper lip forms a transverse ridge at the base. Leaves are narrowly oblong, and generally angled upwards. Leaf surfaces are crossed by a few prominent, lengthwise veins. Stems and leaves have a covering of short, soft hairs. Leaves grow at the base and along the stem. — americansouthwest.net

Notes:

USES: Skullcap was once called mad-dog weed because of its use during the eighteenth century to treat rabies. In addition, Native Americans used skullcap as a sedative, tranquilizer, and digestive aid. Other cultures have used it as sedative and to lower fevers. Products containing skullcap should not be used in pregnancy or lactation. Before beginning herbal treatment. People should consult a physician, practitioner, or herbalist. — wildflowers west.org