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: August 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.

Toxicity unknown

Hoary Skullcap (Scutellaria incana) 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 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

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 Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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