Photographs: Ballingeary, Co. Cork

Lesser Skullcap Scutellaria minor Cochall beag Family: Lamiaceae Flowering time: July - October. Perennial. Native. The auxillary pairs of flowers are pink with a purple-spotted lower lip. Pointed, stalkless leaves are entire or slightly toothed at base. An erect, hairless, bushy plant, height 10-15cm. Locally frequent in SW and W on damp heaths, marshes and woodland paths, also found in SE Ireland. Related: Skullcap, Scutellaria galericulata has blue flowers

Lesser Skullcap, Scutellaria minor, Cochall beag