Scutellaria alpina
Scutellaria alpina, the alpine skullcap, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae.
| Scutellaria alpina | |
|---|---|
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| Flowers of Scutellaria alpina at the Giardino Botanico Alpino Chanousia | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Scutellaria |
| Species: | S. alpina |
| Binomial name | |
| Scutellaria alpina | |
Description
Scutellaria alpina can reach a height of 10–30 centimetres (3.9–11.8 in). It is a small rhizomatous perennial plant. The stems are square, prostrate-ascending, branched, woody at the base and hairy. Leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, pubescent, oval, rounded at the base, 2–3 cm long, with a short petiole and crenulate margins. Inflorescence is a terminal tetragonal spike. The flowers are blue-violet or purple-white, 2.5–3 cm long. They bloom from June to August.
Distribution
This species is native to central and southern Europe and Russia.
Habitat
Scutellaria alpina prefers rocky areas in high calcareous mountains at elevation of 1,400–2,500 metres (4,600–8,200 ft) above sea level.