Scutellaria incana

Common Names

Hoary Skullcap, Downy Skullcap

Summary

Hoary skullcap (Downy skullcap) is a native North American perennial that typically reaches 2–3 feet in height, forms bushy clumps via rhizomes, and bears blue-to-violet, two-lipped tubular flowers on branching stems from mid to late summer. Leaves are opposite and toothed; stems are square and hoary with fine white hairs.

It prefers full sun to part shade and dry to medium, well-drained soils, tolerating drought and a range of textures from sandy to clay; hardy in USDA zones 4–9. It spreads to form dense colonies by seed and rhizomes, is deer- and rabbit-resistant, and attracts pollinators such as bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds; suitable for wildflower meadows, prairies, native borders, cottage gardens, and open woodland plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24-36 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Soil pH

All pH levels

Tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral soils

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators