Baikal skullcap, Soksokeum-phul
Scutellaria baicalensis
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 38 cm high. It spreads 20 cm wide. It lies along the ground near its base. The leaves are sword shaped and 3-4 cm long. They are slightly hairy. The flowers are purple-blue and 2.5 cm long. They grow along one side of the stalk.
There are about 300-350 Scutellaria species. It has anticancer properties. It also reduces dengue virus multiplication.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in the eastern forest in Manchuria. In northern China it grows between 100-2,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Manchuria, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The young leaves are eaten as a boiled vegetable. The plant is dried and used for tea.
Edible parts
Leaves, leaves - tea