Small Skullcap -- Scutellaria parvula at Wild Cherry Farm
Small Skullcap -- Scutellaria parvula at Wild Cherry Farm

Small Skullcap (Scutellaria parvula)

$5.00

Small Skullcap is an adorable little plant that is visited by a variety of native bees and skippers. It is the host to 1, possibly more butterflies and moths in our area (illinoiswildflower.info). Small Skullcap is considered threatened in Michigan, so while you may not be preserving the plant that was once here, you are creating habitat for all of the species that may need it for survival (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). It is small and does not like competition from other plants, so choose a dry sunny spot at the front of the border or rock garden and enjoy those pretty little flowers. Because of its bitter foliage, it is typically avoided by mammalian herbivores.

Photo credit: Aaron Carlson

Small Skullcap is an adorable little plant that is visited by a variety of native bees and skippers. It is the host to 1, possibly more butterflies and moths in our area (illinoiswildflower.info). Small Skullcap is considered threatened in Michigan, so while you may not be preserving the plant that was once here, you are creating habitat for all of the species that may need it for survival (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). It is small and does not like competition from other plants, so choose a dry sunny spot at the front of the border or rock garden and enjoy those pretty little flowers. Because of its bitter foliage, it is typically avoided by mammalian herbivores.

Photo credit: Aaron Carlson

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Full-Partial shade

Soil Moisture: Medium – Dry

Height: 3-9 inches

Plant Spacing: 6-12 inches

Bloom Time: May-July

Bloom Color: Purple

Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Deer Resistant

Host Plant: 1, possibly more species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (illinoiswildflower.info)

Species of Concern: State Status: Threatened (legally protected), State Rank: Imperiled  (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)

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