Scutellaria baicalensis is an evergreen herb that is native to cold and temperate regions of Eastern Russia and Asia. Baikal Skullcap is a key herb in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat fevers and pain relief while also improving brain function and increasing memory.
Suitable for Temperate climates.
Scutellaria baicalensis is also known as Chinese Skullcap, Huang Qin and Radix Anthemis.
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Growth
Scutellaria baicalensis is a perennial herb that grows to a compact height of up to 30cm (12 inches) by a width of around 60cm (24 inches). Baikal Skullcap enjoys cool temperate climates and adapts to a range of soil conditions.
Baikal Skullcap is a relatively fast growing flowering plant, however the main medicinal component is the root which is usually harvested in the autumn of their third or fourth season.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
180 days for leaves, 3-4 years for roots.
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-21 days at temperatures between 15-22°C / 65-70°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS (Baikal Skullcap)
In traditional Chinese medicine, Baikal Skullcap is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs and is given the name Huang Qin.
Baikal Skullcap gets its strange common name from the flowers resemblance to medieval helmets, but its the roots that are primarily used for the medicinal benefits. Roots are usually harvested during the autumn of the plants’ third or fourth growing season.
The young leaves of Baikal Skullcap can be used as a vegetable while the whole plant can be dried to and chopped to make a herbal tea.
Roots of Baikal Skullcap are used to treat a wide range of different ailments. These include jaundice, pain relief, insomnia, urinary tract infections, nosebleeds, fevers, internal bleeding, diarrhoea and chronic hepatitis. It also reportedly helps to calm the foetus in pregnant women, lower blood pressure and helps to improve brain function, memory and learning.
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