Family: Scrophulariaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 621 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Scrophularia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. Europe to Medit.
Description
French figwort, scientifically known as Scrophularia canina, is an intriguing plant that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. First cataloged by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this species has since captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Characterized by its unique structure and adaptability, the French figwort is native to a varied geographic range. It can be found thriving from the cooler climates of Central Europe down to the more temperate Mediterranean regions. This adaptability hints at the plant’s resilience and versatility, making it a subject of study in understanding plant survival and adaptation strategies.
Botanically, the French figwort features distinctly shaped leaves and flowers that set it apart from other members of the Scrophulariaceae family. The plant produces small, tubular flowers, usually in shades of muted greens and browns, which can often go unnoticed due to their subtle coloring. However, these flowers are a vital component of the local ecosystem, providing nectar and pollen to various pollinators, including insects such as bees and butterflies.
In addition to its ecological role, Scrophularia canina has been noted in historical botanical literature for its potential medicinal properties. Although not as widely used in contemporary herbal practices, traditional remedies often incorporated parts of the French figwort for their purported health benefits.
The French figwort’s resilience and adaptive nature not only make it a noteworthy plant in botanical studies but also highlight its importance within its native habitats. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated for research, Scrophularia canina continues to be a fascinating subject for those interested in the diverse world of plant life.
Common Names
Deu: (eigentliche) hunds-braunwurz, hunds-braunwurz
Eng: dog figwort, french figwort
Ces: krti
Swe: småflenört, hundflenört
Nld: hondshelmkruid
En: French figwort, Dog figwort
Ar: زيته، زيتى
Ca: Escrofulària de ca
Cs: Krti
Nl: Hondshelmkruid
Fr: Scrofulaire des chiens, Scrophulaire des chiens
De: (Eigentliche) Hunds-Braunwurz, Hunds-Braunwurz
It: Ruta canina, Scrofularia comune, Scrofularia canina
Pt: Erva-das-escaldadelas
Es: Escrofularia canina
Sv: Småflenört, Hundflenört
Synonyms
- Tomiephyllum caninum ((L.) Fourr.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2018 by Wim Stoop (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 12, 1998 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 17, 2021 by jadeye (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2018 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Daniel CAHEN (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170873)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:809084-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scrophularia canina L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb