When does Hoary Skullcap bloom?

Scutellaria incana blooms from June through September, producing small white flowers that attract pollinators throughout the summer and early fall.

What pollinators visit Hoary Skullcap?

Hoary Skullcap attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. The tubular flower shape is particularly well-suited for these pollinators.

Where is Scutellaria incana native?

Hoary Skullcap is native to 25 states across the eastern and central United States, from New York south to Florida and west to Kansas and Iowa.

What growing conditions does Hoary Skullcap prefer?

This adaptable native plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.

Is Hoary Skullcap HOA-friendly?

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

Hoary Skullcap

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Scutellaria incana

Last reviewed: July 2026

Scutellaria incana (Hoary Skullcap) is a native perennial forb blooming white flowers from June through September across the eastern and central United States. This adaptable wildflower attracts bees and butterflies in diverse light and moisture conditions.

Hoary Skullcap (Scutellaria incana) — Photo: Stickpen / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 20 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Hoary skullcap is a native perennial that produces spikes of small blue to purple flowers from summer through early fall. This compact wildflower grows in clumps with soft, grayish-green foliage and works well in mixed perennial borders or naturalized areas.

Growing Hoary Skullcap

Grow Hoary Skullcap in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hoary Skullcap is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

May appear sparse in early spring
Flowers are small and less showy than common garden perennials

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and provide nectar for butterflies throughout the long blooming season.

Common questions

When does Hoary Skullcap bloom?: Scutellaria incana blooms from June through September, producing small white flowers that attract pollinators throughout the summer and early fall.
What pollinators visit Hoary Skullcap?: Hoary Skullcap attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. The tubular flower shape is particularly well-suited for these pollinators.
Where is Scutellaria incana native?: Hoary Skullcap is native to 25 states across the eastern and central United States, from New York south to Florida and west to Kansas and Iowa.
What growing conditions does Hoary Skullcap prefer?: This adaptable native plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
Is Hoary Skullcap HOA-friendly?: Hoary Skullcap is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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

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