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 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

American Dragonhead

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dracocephalum parviflorum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Dragonhead (Dracocephalum parviflorum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–20" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CO, CT, DE and 30 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Great Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Central Corn Belt Plains

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 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz