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Little Scullcap

Scutellaria parvula

Last reviewed: August 2026

Little Scullcap (Scutellaria parvula)
Photo: (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark

Toxicity unknown

Little Scullcap (Scutellaria parvula) 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

2"–8" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, 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 452 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

Central Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Little scullcap is a tiny native perennial that forms low, compact mats of small leaves. It produces delicate blue or purple flowers throughout the summer months and stays close to the ground at just 2-8 inches tall.

In an HOA neighborhood

Little Scullcap 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.

  • Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in landscaping
  • Can appear sparse or patchy
  • May be mistaken for weeds due to tiny stature

Wildlife value

This plant attracts native bees and butterflies with its small but nectar-rich flowers during summer blooming season.

Common questions

How much sun does Little Scullcap need?
Little Scullcap grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Little Scullcap bloom?
Little Scullcap blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Little Scullcap native?
Little Scullcap (Scutellaria parvula) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Little Scullcap attract?
Little Scullcap draws bees and butterflies.
Is Little Scullcap HOA-friendly?
Little Scullcap 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Little Scullcap? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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