Scutellaria nana
dwarf skullcap
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts HummingbirdsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Scutellaria nana is a low, mat-forming perennial in the mint family, growing 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and spreading 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide from a woody base. The small, gray-green leaves are oval to lance-shaped and 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) long, on branching, square stems. From late spring into summer it bears tubular two-lipped flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, cream to pale yellow and flushed with pink or purple, held in pairs near the stem tips. The hooded upper lip gives the genus its skullcap name. Plants are slow-growing and reach full spread over two to three seasons. Scutellaria nana is native to dry, rocky habitats and grows in full sun on gritty, sharply drained soil with very low moisture. It tolerates intense sun, heat, and drought but fails in humid climates and wet winter soil, where the crown rots quickly. Growth is sparse and short-lived where drainage is poor. The plant suits rock gardens, troughs, and gravel beds where its drainage needs can be met.
Native Range
Scutellaria nana is native to the Great Basin of the western United States, including Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and California, where it grows on dry slopes, rocky flats, and sagebrush scrub.Suggested Uses
Planted in rock gardens, alpine troughs, and gravel beds where sharp drainage is assured, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. Used among other drought-adapted alpines and dryland plants. Suited to dry, sunny sites in low-humidity regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pale yellow flushed pinkFoliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun on gritty, sharply drained soil with low fertility, such as a sand or gravel mix. Water sparingly while establishing, then keep the plant dry, as it draws on minimal moisture once rooted. In rainy climates, overhead cover from winter wet reduces losses, since saturated soil rots the crown. A trough or raised gravel bed gives the reliable drainage this species needs. Rich, moisture-retentive soil produces weak growth and early decline. The plant is short-lived and is renewed from seed or cuttings.Pruning
Trim lightly after flowering to remove spent stems and keep the mat compact. Winter-damaged growth is cut back in early spring. Hard pruning into the woody base is poorly tolerated, so cuts stay within the current year's growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons