Showy Skullcap (Scutellaria Serrata)

Showy Skullcap (Scutellaria Serrata), originally uploaded by maeve_turner.

Scutellaria is a genus of about 300 species of plants commonly known as skullcaps. The genus is widespread in temperate regions and on tropical mountains.

Most are annual or perennial herbaceous plants from 5 cm to 1 m tall, but a few are subshrubs; some are aquatic. They have four-angled stems and opposite leaves. The flowers have upper and lower lips. The genus is most easily recognized by the typical shield on the calyx that has also prompted its common name.