Scrophularia nodosa L.
Common Figwort
Common figwort is a robust native perennial found throughout Britain and Ireland except the far north. It throws up tall, sharply square stems clothed in opposite, coarsely toothed, nettle-like leaves, and takes its name 'nodosa' from the knobbly, swollen rhizome at its base.
About
Common figwort is a robust native perennial found throughout Britain and Ireland except the far north. It throws up tall, sharply square stems clothed in opposite, coarsely toothed, nettle-like leaves, and takes its name 'nodosa' from the knobbly, swollen rhizome at its base. The flowers are small but curious: rounded, two-lipped and greenish-brown flushed with dull maroon, carried in open, branching heads through the second half of summer.
It favours damp, often shaded ground, growing along woodland edges and rides, hedge banks, stream sides, ditches and on disturbed or waste ground with moist soil. Flowering from June to September, it is one of relatively few British plants pollinated chiefly by wasps, which are drawn to the dull-coloured, faintly carrion-scented blooms; it is also a known food plant for the larvae of the figwort weevil and figwort sawfly. A good, slightly architectural choice for damp, semi-shaded wild corners and wildlife borders.
Also known as
Figwort · Knotted Figwort · Woodland Figwort · knotty figwort
Synonyms
Scrophularia capitata · Scrophularia cechica · Scrophularia chamaeneriifolia · Scrophularia foetida · Scrophularia halleri · Scrophularia hemschinica · Scrophularia hemshinica · Scrophularia italica · Scrophularia major · Scrophularia nodosa pallescens
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.