Scutellaria incana

In shady dry forests and open woodlands, bluish purple tubular flowers are a sight to the eyes while adding incredible wildlife value. Hoary Skullcap is a summer blooming perennial, and its blooms are considered more showy than other plants in the genus. The leaves are arranged opposite on erect stems. Both stems and undersides of leaves are hairy. Adaptable to both moist and dry soil, this plant can find a home in a variety of garden settings. Once established, it is moderately drought resistant but will need some watering in its first year. As is common with plants in the mint family, it is deer and rabbit resistant. Rhizomes spread and seeds drop, creating dense clumps when this plant is happy. When planting, giving it two feet of space allows room for it to grow in. Attracting a variety of pollinators, it is a favorite among bumblebees. Hummingbirds visit the flowers and songbirds are attracted to the seeds that display in early fall. Hoary Skullcap was awarded the 2014 Wildflower of the Year by the NC Botanical Garden.