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Grayleaf Skullcap

Scutellaria siphocampyloides

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

low

Size

0–1ft tall

Bloom

Mar-Nov

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Endemic to the Diablo Range in Santa Clara and Alameda Counties, below 2000 ft elevation, in coastal sage scrub and chaparral.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant grayleaf skullcap in full sun to part shade during spring, giving it plenty of room to spread since it grows via thin rhizomes - space plants about 1-2 feet apart. This California native thrives in well-draining soil and actually prefers dry conditions, so avoid heavy clay or areas that stay wet. It's a low-water plant, so you won't need to amend the soil heavily or baby it along.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to help it establish, then cut back significantly once it's rooted in - aim for minimal supplemental water after that first season since it's adapted to California's dry summers. Expect it to bloom from spring through fall, with modest growth reaching about 1-2 feet tall; it may die back in winter or persist depending on your specific microclimate. The #1 mistake is overwatering: this plant evolved for drought, so err on the dry side once established, and make sure it has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

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