Exploring the many varieties of Skullcap

Scutellaria....lateriflora, barbata, baicalensis, integrifolia and more....

True confession—I’m a plant geek. That means I love growing multiple varieties of my favorite medicinal plants. At Meeting House Farm, we cultivate three varieties of Skullcap, which we offer as a blended dried botanical and extract. This unique combination provides a well-rounded approach to supporting the nervous system.  A fourth variety - the Chinese Skullcap - baicalensis -  is grown by a collaborative farm Restoration Acres

Skullcap (Scutellaria) belongs to the mint family and comes in many varieties. Some, like lateriflora and helmet (integrifolia), are native to North America, while others, like baicalensis and barbata, originate from China.

• American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – Often referred to as "original" Skullcap, this variety is well-known for its calming effects on the nervous system.
• Helmet Skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia) – Native to the Appalachian Mountains, this fast-spreading plant features delicate purple flowers that resemble tiny helmets—or fairy hats!
• Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) – A staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this variety is prized for its immune-supporting properties.
• Barbat Skullcap (Scutellaria barbata) – Another Chinese variety, this herb is known for its immune-boosting and antiviral properties.

You may be wondering—what's the difference between these varieties?

• American Skullcap (lateriflora & integrifolia) – Best known for their ability to support the nervous system, these varieties are particularly helpful for panic attacks, muscle relaxation, and migraines.
• Chinese Skullcap (baicalensis & barbata) – These herbs have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support the immune system, offering antiviral and antibacterial benefits.

At our Meeting House Farm apothecary, we blend three varieties—lateriflora, integrifolia, and barbata—to create a well-balanced formula that provides superior nervous system support.  Our triple Skullcap blend is currently sold out - but we will blend more this season.

Growing and Harvesting Tips

Skullcap is relatively easy to grow, and each variety has slightly different cultivation needs.

• All varieties can be started from seed, but propagating from divisions of established plants is often easier.
• We harvest the aerial parts of our plants multiple times during mid-summer, just before flowering. After the plants bloom, leaf quality declines, so we avoid harvesting beyond that point.
• Multiple harvests in a single season encourage later blooming, allowing the plants to rebound and continue thriving.
• The root of Scutellaria baicalensis is best harvested after two years of growth once the plant is in dormancy.

Looking to grow your own? We offer bare root plants and seedlings for three Skullcap varieties, while our partner farm, Rising Herbs in Indiana, provides seeds for Scutellaria lateriflora.

Skullcap for Health & Wellness

Skullcap is a true herbal powerhouse with a wide range of benefits.

• Nervous System Support – American Skullcap varieties help calm panic attacks, ease migraines, and support muscle relaxation.
• Immune System Support – The root of Scutellaria baicalensis is a potent immune stimulant, antiviral, and antibacterial. The aerial parts of Scutellaria barbata also provide immune support.
• Sleep & Relaxation – Skullcap is a key ingredient in herbal blends designed to promote restful sleep and ease menstrual cramps.
• Migraine Relief – Both Chinese and American Skullcap varieties have been shown to reduce migraine frequency and offer relief during an attack.
• Panic Attacks – Regular use of Skullcap can significantly reduce panic attacks and provide acute relief when needed.

Whether you're growing your own or incorporating it into your herbal apothecary, Skullcap is a must-have medicinal herb worth cultivating.