Scutellaria alpina
Cassida alpina
Scutelariia alpina, commonly known as Alpine Skullcap, is a resilient perennial herb native to high-altitude European meadows. Renowned for its delicate blue flowers, this plant contains bioactive flavonoids. Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, it is studied for its potential calming, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties in supporting nervous system health.
- Scientific name: Scutellaria alpina
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Scutellaria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Scutellaria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Scutellaria alpina, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In German, it is called Alpen-Helmkraut, a name also used in Switzerland (de-ch). In Esperanto, the species is known as Alpa skutelario, while in Greek, it is identified as Σκουτεραλία η αλπική. Additionally, in Vietnamese, it is referred to by the name Cassida alpina.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Alpen-Helmkraut | Wikidata |
| eo | Alpa skutelario | Wikidata |
| vi | Cassida alpina | Wikidata |
| de-ch | Alpen-Helmkraut | Wikidata |
| el | Σκουτεραλία η αλπική | Wikidata |
| bg | алпийска превара | Wikidata |
| ca | Escutel·lària alpina | Wikidata |
| fi | alppivuohennokka | Wikidata |
| zh | 高山黄芩 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 高山黄芩 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Germany and Switzerland. Its presence extends into Southwestern Europe, where it inhabits parts of France and Spain. Additionally, the species reaches toward Southeastern Europe in the country of Albania. Together, these locations define the primary natural range of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |