Figwort (Scrophularia marilandica, Sp. Pl.: 619 (1753))

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 619 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scrophularia

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Ontario to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Figwort, known scientifically as Scrophularia marilandica, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. Originally classified by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this species continues to be a subject of botanical interest due to its distinctive characteristics and wide distribution.

Native to North America, Figwort can be found spanning from southern Ontario through to central and eastern regions of the United States. This geographical range highlights the plant’s adaptability to various temperate climates, making it a recognizable feature in many natural landscapes within these areas.

Figwort typically thrives in moist, shaded environments such as forest edges and riverbanks. It is easily identified by its square stems and opposite leaves, which contribute to its recognizable texture and form. The plant reaches up to six feet in height, showcasing clusters of small, tubular flowers that are primarily greenish-yellow with a hint of brown or purple, blooming from mid-summer through early fall.

The flowers, though modest in size, play an essential role in attracting pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the plant’s pollination and proliferation. Moreover, the presence of this plant is often associated with healthy, biodiverse ecosystems.

Despite its considerable ecological importance, Figwort has historically been overlooked in horticulture. However, it has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, though such uses should be approached with caution and consulted with a healthcare provider.

Not just a plant of practical utility, Figwort adds an element of understated beauty and ecological value to the regions it inhabits. Therefore, it remains a notable species both for botanists and nature enthusiasts intrigued by the diverse flora of North America.

Common Names

Eng: carpenter’s square, carpenter’s-square, eastern figwort, figwort, maryland figwort, carpenter’s figwort, carpenter’s square figwort, late figwort, woodland figwort
Fra: scrofulaire du maryland
En: Figwort, Carpenter’s-square, Eastern figwort, Carpenter’s square, Simpson’s Honey Plant, MARYLAND FIGWORT, Carpenter’s figwort, Carpenter’s square figwort, Late figwort, Woodland figwort
Fr: Scrofulaire du Maryland

Synonyms

• Scrophularia serrulata (Raf.)
• Scrophularia adenopa (Raf.)
• Scrophularia nodosa var. americana (Michx.)
• Scrophularia neglecta (Rydb.)
• Scrophularia diversifolia (Raf.)
• Scrophularia nodosa var. marilandica ((L.) A.Gray)
• Scrophularia marilandica var. viridis (Farw.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Ziggy Jenkins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Emilie Desmidt (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 2, 2014 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 5, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Lászlóné Pintér (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by roland risch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Hill Paige (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by T H (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 2, 2014 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2013 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Sep 5, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170885)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:809334-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scrophularia marilandica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth