About Scutellaria saxatilis Riddell
Scutellaria saxatilis Riddell is a perennial herb that has characteristic traits of the Scutellaria genus: opposite leaves, square stems, and distinctive two-lipped flowers. It also has a flattened, shield-like "scutellum" appendage on its calyx, the feature that gives plants in this genus their common name of skullcap. This species typically grows as low mats or clumps on rocky substrates. Its flowers are often small, and their color ranges from blue to purple. Scutellaria saxatilis is native to the southeastern United States. According to the Tennessee-Kentucky Plant Atlas, the species grows in Tennessee and Kentucky, where it is most commonly found on rocky wooded slopes, cliffs, limestone bluffs, and similar calcareous outcrops. It inhabits areas with well-drained soils and partial shade, which are typical conditions found in upland woodland and rocky landscapes.
