Scutellaria alpina
# Scutellaria alpina

Scutellaria alpina, the alpine skullcap, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae.

## 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.

