Hoary Skullcap, Downy Skullcap

Downy skullcap is a native perennial wildflower in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Found growing in shady dry forests and open woodlands, and along slopes and streambanks. The square stems are covered with fine white hairs and small purplish-blue flowers bloom in loose racemes in summer. The genus name comes from the Latin word scutella meaning a small dish or saucer. These plants have bitter-tasting leaves so are usually ignored by deer and rabbits.