Scrophularia auriculata L.
Shoreline figwort
Water figwort is an upright native perennial of damp and waterside places, common along the margins of rivers, ponds, ditches and other wet ground across western Europe. It is a robust plant with stout, four-angled stems that bear conspicuous flanges or wings running down each corner, a feature more pronounced than in common figwort.
About
Water figwort is an upright native perennial of damp and waterside places, common along the margins of rivers, ponds, ditches and other wet ground across western Europe. It is a robust plant with stout, four-angled stems that bear conspicuous flanges or wings running down each corner, a feature more pronounced than in common figwort. The blunt, oval, scallop-edged leaves are set in opposite pairs, and the small, rounded flowers are a dull maroon-brown with a paler two-lipped mouth, carried in airy spikes on stiff side branches.
It favours moist, fertile soils in sun or partial shade and tends to grow tall and bushy where conditions suit. Flowering from early summer into autumn, the curiously coloured blooms are particularly attractive to wasps, which are important pollinators, as well as bees. The fading flowers give way to small rounded seed capsules packed with seed. It is a good choice for pond edges, stream banks and damp wildlife plantings.
Also known as
Water Betony · Water Figwort
Synonyms
Scrophularia aquatica
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.