Helmet Flower

Scutellaria integrifolia

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Lamiaceae
Genus:
Scutellaria
Species:
Scutellaria integrifolia
USDA Symbol:
SCIN2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
purple, lavender, blue, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rootstock following fire; commonly found in fire-maintained savannas and open woodlands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers open, sunny habitats in native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Requires light for germination; surface sow and do not cover seed. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI