Early botanists though the shape of the flower reminded them of the leather skullcap (galerum) worn by Roman soldiers hence the species name galericulata. Skullcap is to be found throughout the British Isles but as you further into Scotland its distribution becomes decidedly western. In Ireland it occupies the centre of the island. It is a plant of wet or damp places and has a good tolerance of shade so will grow amongst taller herbs at the edges of ponds and lakes.

LHS: Regents canal, London 1st July 2006 RHS: Hatchmere, Cheshire 9th July 2007

Added on November 26th 2005, updated 2nd February 2012