Skullcap (or Scullcap) is perennial plant used for medicinal purposes. However, there are two species of Skullcap and they are used in very different ways! Additionally, their growth requirements and appearance differ notably.
The first kind of Skullcap is Skullcap, Official (Scutellaria lateriflora). This variety is also referred to as American Skullcap. It is a creeping herbaceous perennial, hardy in zones 3-9. Stratification is required for germination, after which germination will take about 30 days. This plant prefers “garden” soil. Medicinally, it is used mainly as a nervine and sedative, but it also has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. When it blooms it will get up to 3 feet tall with pretty purple blooms.

The other species of Skullcap is Skullcap, Baical (Scutellaria baicalensis). Also known as Chinese Skullcap, it has been used for many years in Chinese Medicine. Chinese Skullcap is a taprooted herbaceous perennial, hardy in zones 4-8. Flowering at about 18 inches, it will have blooms of a deep blue. Chinese Skullcap does well in dry, sandy soils. Germination takes a week to 10 days. When used medicinally, Chinese Skullcap has antiallergic, antiviral, antibacterial, hypotensive, diuretic, and fever reducing properties.
These two species of Skullcap differ not only in appearance, but also in medicinal benefits and growing conditions. Make sure to note which one you use for which situation!