Scutellaria arenicola
(Florida Scrub Skullcap)
Common Names, Latin Name, and Family
Florida scrub skullcap
Its Latin name is Scutellaria arenicola.
It is in the Laminaceae, or mint, family.
Form
A delicate, perennial wildflower that grows to about three feet in height.
Leaves
The leaves are opposite and may be stalked or sessile. Basal leaves are elliptic and toothed.
Flowers
The blue flowers appear in the spring and summer.
Seeds
Once the flowers are pollinated the seed capsules start to form.
The capsules have a small top that pops off to expose the seeds sitting in the bottom portion of the capsules. The upper portion resembles a skullcap hence the name.
Habitat
It occurs naturally in pinelands and sandhills.
Native Range
It is found in the following states: Florida and Georgia.
In Florida it occurs naturally in the center of the state both northward and southward from Columbia County south to Collier.
Landscape Use
In the home landscape it can be grown in partial shade with dry to average moisture.
Wildlife Uses
It is a favorite nectar source for bees.
Propagation
It is easily propagated from seed and also transplants well when very small.