American Dragonhead
Dracocephalum parviflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–20" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CO, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American dragonhead is a compact annual wildflower with small, tubular purple-blue flowers arranged in dense spikes. This drought-tolerant native grows 6-20 inches tall and blooms throughout the summer months. It thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Dragonhead takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in plantings
- Can appear weedy or wild to conventional gardeners
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it valuable for pollinators in smaller garden spaces.
Common questions
- How much sun does American Dragonhead need?
- American Dragonhead grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does American Dragonhead bloom?
- American Dragonhead blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is American Dragonhead native?
- American Dragonhead (Dracocephalum parviflorum) is native to AZ, CO, CT, DE and 31 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does American Dragonhead attract?
- American Dragonhead draws bees and butterflies.
- Is American Dragonhead HOA-friendly?
- American Dragonhead takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow American Dragonhead? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz