Heartleaf Skullcap
Scutellaria ovata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Scutellaria ovata (Heartleaf Skullcap) is a native wildflower blooming March through August across the eastern and central United States. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, GA, IA and 18 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, hummingbirds, nectar insects
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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Heartleaf Skullcap is a compact native perennial that produces small blue to purple tubular flowers from spring through summer. This low-growing plant forms neat clumps and maintains a semi-evergreen appearance in milder winters, making it useful as a groundcover or border plant.
Growing Heartleaf Skullcap
Grow Heartleaf Skullcap in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Heartleaf Skullcap is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other nectar-feeding insects throughout its long blooming season. Its extended flowering period from March through August provides consistent pollinator support.
Common questions
- When does Heartleaf Skullcap bloom?
- Scutellaria ovata blooms from March through August, providing nectar for pollinators throughout much of the growing season.
- What pollinators visit Heartleaf Skullcap?
- Heartleaf Skullcap attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and various nectar-feeding insects with its tubular blue flowers.
- Where is Scutellaria ovata native?
- Heartleaf Skullcap is native to 21 states across the eastern and central United States, from Texas and Louisiana north to Minnesota and east to Georgia and the Carolinas.
- What growing conditions does Heartleaf Skullcap prefer?
- This adaptable native thrives in full sun to part shade with low to moderate water needs, making it suitable for drought-tolerant gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Heartleaf Skullcap HOA-friendly?
- Heartleaf Skullcap is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
See Heartleaf Skullcap in a real native yard
Heartleaf Skullcap is one of the natives used in these Patch Vision yard designs. Tap any one to see the before and after.
The after image is a Patch Vision preview. It replants the real yard photo with native plants chosen to fit that yard's ecoregion, sun, and HOA strictness.
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 Heartleaf Skullcap? 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