Scutellaria

Genus of flowering plants

Automatic taxobox
|image=Scutellaria pekinensis Yamatatsunamisou in Ibukiyama 2002 6 9. jpg
|image caption=Scutellaria pekinensis
|taxon=Scutellaria
|authority=L. |synonyms=
Anaspis Rech. f.
Cruzia Phil. Harlanlewisia Epling
Perilomia Kunth
Salazaria Torr. Theresa Clos
|synonyms ref=  The generic name is derived from the Latin scutella, meaning "a small dish, tray or platter", or "little dish", referring to the shape of the calyx. with species occurring nearly worldwide, mainly in temperate regions.

Most Scutellaria are annual or perennial herbaceous plants from tall, however a few are subshrubs. Some Scutellaria are aquatic. Scutellaria have four angled stems and opposite leaves, and flowers with upper and lower lips. The genus is most easily recognized by the typical shield on the calyx that has also prompted its common name.

Skullcaps are used in traditional medicine, such as in traditional Chinese medicine. is marketed in volumes that have led to the overexploitation of the wild plant. Its rarity has led to an increase in price, and encouraged the adulteration of the product with other species of Scutellaria. In 1773, Scutellaria lateriflora became a common treatment in North America for the hysteria and hydrophobia caused by rabies. Today it is still a popular medicinal herb. It is widely available as a commercial product used in western herbalism. The plant reportedly commands prices of $16 to $64 per pound dry weight.

The main compounds in skullcap are flavonoids. Other constituents include baicalin, apigenin, oroxylin A, and scutellarein.