Lesser skullcap
Scutellaria minor
Family: Lamiaceae
Fire effect on plant
The effects of fire on the lesser skullcap is undescribed in the literature. However, in a closely related species in North America, the Florida skullcap (S. floridana), rhizomes can survive fire (Negrón-Ortiz, 2009).
Key traits
The lesser skullcap is a perennial plant with rhizomes which may support resprouting, as is the case in the Florida skullcap. In the habitat of this closely related species, fire maintains an open canopy and provides the high light availability needed by the plant. In fact prescribed burning is used to maintain populations of this species, and greatly stimulates flowering, and where fire is suppressed, populations may decline (Negrón-Ortiz 2009). The lesser skullcap may share these fire-related traits displayed by the Florida skullcap, although fire occurrence in its habitat (damp heathland and grassland) is much rarer and its dependence on fire therefore likely lower.
Fire effects on Lesser Skullcap seeds is unclear. There is no specialised dispersal mechanisms meaning dispersal distances are low (0.1-1m; Lososová et al, 2023).
Plant response to fire
The effect of fire on Lesser Skullcap populations is not described in the literature. This species may benefit from the increased light availability after fire, and its flowering could be stimulated by fire, as in the closely-related Florida skullcap.
Timing of life history
Perennial species. Seeds likely produced from second growing season. Flowering July to October.
Conservation status
None.
References
Lososová Z., Axmanová I., Chytrý M., Midolo G., Abdulhak S., Karger D.N., Renaud J., Van Es J., Vittoz P. & Thuiller W. 2023. Seed dispersal distance classes and dispersal modes for the European flora. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 32(9), 1485–1494 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Negrón-Ortiz, V. (2009) Scutellaria floridana (Florida skullcap) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Panama City Field Office Panama City, Florida [Empirical evidence; Grey literature]