Baikal Skullcap - Huang-Qin
Scutellaria baicalensis
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Pl. C803 — Scutellaria baicalensis
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IOverview
Overview
Baikal Skullcap (Huang-Qin), scientifically known as Scutellaria baicalensis, is a perennial plant native to the Amur region and parts of China, including North-Central and South-Central areas, Inner Mongolia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, and other nearby regions. This plant thrives in light conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that can be either dry or moist. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 0.3 meters tall. Baikal Skullcap is known for its edible leaves, which have been used traditionally in Chinese medicine (TCM) as huang qin for mood support, particularly addressing irritability associated with heat signs. Its versatility extends beyond medicinal use; the plant also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens due to its distinctive appearance and adaptability.
Quick answers
What is Baikal Skullcap - Huang-Qin?
Baikal Skullcap (Huang-Qin), scientifically known as Scutellaria baicalensis, is a perennial plant native to the Amur region and parts of China, including North-Central and South-Central areas, Inner Mongolia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, and other nearby regions.
What is Baikal Skullcap - Huang-Qin used for?
Traditionally used for mood support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Baikal Skullcap - Huang-Qin
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: huang qin in TCM for irritability with heat signs.
Baicalein + GABA + serotonin
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Mood Balance
stresstincture
Traditional use in TCM for mood support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Baikal Skullcap thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 0.3 meters tall. This perennial plant requires moderate watering, especially when the soil becomes dry. For propagation, gardeners can use division of mature plants or seed sowing. The edible parts are its leaves, which can be harvested for culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Baikal Skullcap - Huang-Qin for the first time
8steps
Start with Baikal Skullcap as a simple perennial for your garden, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for better root establishment.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare by mixing some sand if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade with regular watering, especially in dry periods. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 13 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaMongoliaSouth KoreaVietnam
Broader regions
native:Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Primorye, Amur
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · c803b78b-54b7-4be0-9636-701be4a514e9
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