Virginia skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Virginia skullcap, Mad-dog skullcap, Blue skullcap, Side-flowering skullcap....

Lots of different common names, but they all refer to Scutellaria lateriflora which is one of the many species of skullcap. This one is native to North America, hence the name 'Virginia skullcap' and has a long history of folk use; it was once thought to be a cure for rabies, hence also 'Mad-dog skullcap'.

This herbaceous perennial will naturalize quite readily in the garden. It grows best in damp areas with a bit of dappled shade. Being a relative of the mints, it spreads by underground runners and can get out of hand if left unchecked; however, it is not particularly invasive, being slower growing and much less aggressive than mints.  Skullcap will also do well grown in pots if you have limited space.
Plants are easily propagated by digging up roots in spring and dividing. Roots are easily broken up, or cut into pieces with scissors and replant. Make sure each piece of root has one or two small shoots on it (these will grow into the new plants).

Seeds are fairly easy to grow, but they do have one specific requirement. They must be cold stratified for at least 10 - 15 days or they won't sprout.