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Scutellaria californica – Lamiaceae - 'California Skullcap.' - This is one of several similar species collectively known as 'California Skullcap,' which are considered medicinally equivalent to S. lateriflora, the 'Mad-Dog Skullcap' of herbology. A dainty plant native to seeps and intermittent streams in mountainous areas of northern California, its delicate appearance belies its true toughness and adaptability. The gorgeous flowers are pale yellow, apple scented snapdragon-style flowers, 1.5" long. It makes a lovely show.

This herbaceous perennial spreads by stolons like a mint, creating a colony in a single season. In its native habitat, it will disappear completely as its source of water dries up, but can be kept green all summer in the garden. It grows in the wild as high as 7000', so it will be hardy to extreme cold as well as heat. It prefers full sun or part shade, and grows to 18" tall.