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Late Figwort Scrophularia marilandica

Previously known as:

  • Scrophularia nodosa var. marilandica
Phonetic Spelling
Skroff-you-LAR-ee-ah mar-ree-LAN-dee-kah
Description

Late figwort is a native plant in the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family and is native to QC west to MN, south to FL and west to TX. It is found in the mountains of NC growing along moist to dry fertile forests and streams. It will grow 5-10 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. The genus name is in reference to a one-time use of some genus plants in the treatment of scrofula. The specific epithet, marilandica, means "of Maryland."

The unusual flowers appear from late summer to fall and produce an abundance of nectar that attracts bees, wasps, flies, butterflies and hummingbirds. Its nectar is quick to replenish and beekeepers have used the plant to make good-quality honey in the past. The large leaves are on a square many-branched stem.

This plant prefers partial shade but will also tolerate full sun. It does best in fertile moist sandy loam but is adaptable if the soil is well-drained. Although the flowers are not large and showy, late figwort will make a great addition to the native pollinator garden. It will also do well along the margins of streams ponds and woodlands.

Propagates easily from seeds and also has short tuberous rhizomes that can be divided.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Can be susceptible to damage from leaf spot and downy mildew. Potential insect pests include caterpillars, slugs and weevils.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#bumblebee friendly#NC native#herbaceous perennial#native wildflower#NC Native Pollinator Plant#bee friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#bumblebee friendly#NC native#herbaceous perennial#native wildflower#NC Native Pollinator Plant#bee friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Scrophularia
    Species:
    marilandica
    Family:
    Scrophulariaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Has been used in herbal medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern and Central USA and Ontario, Canada
    Distribution:
    AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, F , GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV Canada: ON
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts bees, wasps, butterflies and hummingbirds to the flowers
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Shrub
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Small teardrop-shaped capsule with many small seeds that splits in 2 sections when mature
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Urn
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Loose panicles up to 12 inches tall of small urn-shaped 2-lipped flowers appear in July through September. The inside of the flower is a reddish brown while the exterior is green to purplish. Individual flowers are 1/3 inch long.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large dull green leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape with serrated margins and 4-7 inches long and 3 inches wide. A few hairs are present along the veins on the underside
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Grooved, square, many-branched green stems are covered in dark-tipped glandular hairs. May become woody at the base by fall.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Riparian
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds