When does Scutellaria lateriflora bloom?

Scutellaria lateriflora blooms from June through August, producing small blue to purple flowers along the stems.

What pollinators visit Scutellaria lateriflora?

Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Scutellaria lateriflora, attracted to its small tubular flowers.

Where is Scutellaria lateriflora native?

Scutellaria lateriflora is native to most US states from coast to coast, found naturally in wetlands, stream banks, and moist woodland edges.

What growing conditions does Scutellaria lateriflora prefer?

This plant grows best in partial shade with consistently moist soil, though it can tolerate some sun if moisture levels remain adequate.

Is Scullcap HOA-friendly?

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

Scullcap

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Scutellaria lateriflora

Last reviewed: June 2026

Scutellaria lateriflora is a native North American wildflower that blooms blue-purple flowers from June through August. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in partial shade across most US states.

Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) — Photo: Charles Frederick Millspaugh / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–15" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range South Central Plains

Scullcap is a compact native perennial that produces small blue flowers along upright stems from June through August. This well-behaved plant forms neat clumps and thrives in partially shaded areas with average moisture.

Growing Scullcap

Grow Scullcap in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 15 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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.

Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Can appear weedy or unkempt during growing season
Small stature makes it look like a weed rather than intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The tubular blue flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and provide nectar for butterflies throughout the summer months.

Common questions

When does Scutellaria lateriflora bloom?: Scutellaria lateriflora blooms from June through August, producing small blue to purple flowers along the stems.
What pollinators visit Scutellaria lateriflora?: Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Scutellaria lateriflora, attracted to its small tubular flowers.
Where is Scutellaria lateriflora native?: Scutellaria lateriflora is native to most US states from coast to coast, found naturally in wetlands, stream banks, and moist woodland edges.
What growing conditions does Scutellaria lateriflora prefer?: This plant grows best in partial shade with consistently moist soil, though it can tolerate some sun if moisture levels remain adequate.
Is Scullcap HOA-friendly?: 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 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 Scullcap? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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