Marsh Skullcap
Scutellaria galericulata
Also listed as Scutellaria epilobiifolia, Cassida galericulata
Also known as Common Skullcap, Hooded Skullcap, Skullcap
Climate Match for your location
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Marsh Skullcap is a native wetland perennial with small purple-blue flowers that bloom along upright stems throughout summer. It thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions and is ideal for rain gardens, pond margins, and other water-loving garden settings.
Why grow it
Marsh Skullcap offers reliable summer color in wet conditions where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for naturalizing rain gardens and constructed wetlands. Among native skullcaps, this species is more tolerant of consistently saturated soils than upland relatives, though it produces smaller individual flowers than some cultivated alternatives. Its modest size (12-24 inches) and self-seeding habit make it suitable for filling in wetland edges without aggressive spread.
Watch out for
In drier garden settings, this plant may require supplemental watering during establishment and extended dry periods to perform well. The fine stems can become lanky or sparse if light levels drop below 4-5 hours of direct sun, though some afternoon shade is tolerated. Like many wetland plants, it may decline if drainage is suddenly improved or soil moisture drops significantly.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North American native
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Marsh Skullcap is a native wetland perennial with small purple-blue flowers that bloom along upright stems throughout summer. It thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions and is ideal for rain gardens, pond margins, and other water-loving garden settings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Marsh Skullcap grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Marsh Skullcap offers reliable summer color in wet conditions where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for naturalizing rain gardens and constructed wetlands. Among native skullcaps, this species is more tolerant of consistently saturated soils than upland relatives, though it produces smaller individual flowers than some cultivated alternatives. Its modest size (12-24 inches) and self-seeding habit make it suitable for filling in wetland edges without aggressive spread.
Watch out for
In drier garden settings, this plant may require supplemental watering during establishment and extended dry periods to perform well. The fine stems can become lanky or sparse if light levels drop below 4-5 hours of direct sun, though some afternoon shade is tolerated. Like many wetland plants, it may decline if drainage is suddenly improved or soil moisture drops significantly.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North American native
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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