How much sun does Hairy Skullcap need?

Hairy Skullcap grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Hairy Skullcap bloom?

Hairy Skullcap blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Hairy Skullcap native?

Hairy Skullcap (Scutellaria elliptica) is native to AL, FL, GA, IL and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Hairy Skullcap attract?

Hairy Skullcap draws bees and butterflies.

Is Hairy Skullcap HOA-friendly?

Hairy Skullcap is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Hairy Skullcap

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Scutellaria elliptica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hairy Skullcap (Scutellaria elliptica) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, FL, GA, IL and 15 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 445 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

Ozark Highlands Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Southern Coastal Plain

Hairy skullcap is a compact native perennial that forms neat clumps with small blue to purple flowers from May through July. This well-behaved wildflower stays low and tidy, making it suitable for semi-shaded garden areas where it won't overwhelm other plants.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Skullcap is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its long blooming period in late spring and summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Skullcap need?: Hairy Skullcap grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Hairy Skullcap bloom?: Hairy Skullcap blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hairy Skullcap native?: Hairy Skullcap (Scutellaria elliptica) is native to AL, FL, GA, IL and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Hairy Skullcap attract?: Hairy Skullcap draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hairy Skullcap HOA-friendly?: Hairy Skullcap is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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 Hairy Skullcap? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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