Mad Dog Skullcap is a mint-family perennial wildflower native most regions of the United States where it can often be found growing in moist meadows, swamps, bogs, and shorelines.
Plant grows to about 2 feet in height and produces small, bud-like blue to purple flowers that bloom from July through September.
The 'mad dog' portion of its name refers to a disproven belief that the plant could treat rabies, while 'skullcap' refers to the shape of the flowers and seed capsules which slightly resemble helmets worn by soldiers in the Middle Ages.
Used in traditional herbal medicine as a mild sedative, pain reducer, and for treating depression and anxiety.
Direct sow in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days (cold stratification) before planting. Keep soil moist until germination, which can often be slow and irregular.