Becoming somewhat less common throughout the Tallgrass region, prefers lake edges, sedge meadows and wet prairies. Violet to blue-violet flowers appear from June into August. Rarely grows taller than 3 feet.

The name "Mad Dog Skullcap" comes from the fact that early settlers once used a decoction of this plant to treat rabies. A strong tea was used as a sedative, nerve tonic and antispasmodic for all types of conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety and neuralgia. Larger doses are of an unknown toxicity, fatalities have been reported.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: A commonly used herbal medicine, Virginian skullcap is a very effective nervine that has traditionally been used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions. Its tonic and restorative properties help to support and nourish the nervous system, calming and relieving stress and anxiety. Very little research has been carried out on this species, despite its long use in American and British herbal medicine. Research is sorely needed, and may reveal more uses for this valuable herb. The leaves are antispasmodic, slightly astringent, diuretic, nervine, sedative and strongly tonic. They are harvested in early summer and dried for later use. It is used in the treatment of various problems of the nervous system including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, delirium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquillisers, and neuralgia. An infusion of the plant has been used to promote suppressed menstruation, relieve breast pain and encourage expulsion of the placenta, it should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage. This plant should be used with some caution since in excess it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching. The plant was once believed of use in the treatment of rabies, though there is no evidence to support this.

Herbal Uses: Unknown