How much sun does Marsh Scullcap need?

Marsh Scullcap grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Marsh Scullcap bloom?

Marsh Scullcap blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Marsh Scullcap native?

Marsh Scullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Marsh Scullcap attract?

Marsh Scullcap draws bees and butterflies.

Is Marsh Scullcap HOA-friendly?

Marsh Scullcap takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Marsh Scullcap

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Scutellaria galericulata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Marsh Scullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) 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

high

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 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

Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Interior River Valleys and Hills Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Marsh scullcap is a native wetland perennial that produces small blue flowers from summer through early fall. This low-growing plant thrives in consistently moist soils and partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens or naturally wet areas of the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Marsh Scullcap takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires consistently wet conditions that may look unkempt
Can appear weedy or unintentional in formal landscapes
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The tubular blue flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the extended blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds in late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Marsh Scullcap need?: Marsh Scullcap grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Marsh Scullcap bloom?: Marsh Scullcap blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Marsh Scullcap native?: Marsh Scullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Marsh Scullcap attract?: Marsh Scullcap draws bees and butterflies.
Is Marsh Scullcap HOA-friendly?: Marsh 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 the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Marsh Scullcap? 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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

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