Yellow figwort (Scrophularia vernalis, Sp. Pl.: 620 (1753))

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 620 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scrophularia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Europe to NE. Türkiye

Description

The Yellow Figwort, scientifically known as Scrophularia vernalis, is a fascinating species within the Scrophulariaceae family. Originating from the rich and diverse flora of Central and Eastern Europe, its range extends eastwards into the northeastern regions of Türkiye. This plant has been documented in scientific literature since 1753, as noted in the seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” authored by the illustrious botanist Carl Linnaeus.

Scrophularia vernalis thrives in a variety of habitats, often gracing woodlands, meadows, and the edges of forests with its presence. Characterized by its vibrant yellow flowers, the Yellow Figwort stands out among the greenery, attracting a wide array of pollinators including bees and butterflies. The plant typically blooms in the spring, adding a splash of color to its environment during this period.

The leaves of the Yellow Figwort are quite distinctive, presenting an elongated, lanceolate shape with a slightly serrated edge, providing an attractive foliage contrast to the bright blossoms. Beyond its ornamental value, this plant has also been noted for its ecological benefits, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Historically, plants from the Scrophulariaceae family, including Scrophularia vernalis, have been used in traditional medicine across various cultures, although modern usage is less common. The genus name “Scrophularia” stems from its historical use in treating scrofula, a type of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes.

In addition to its aesthetic and historical significance, the Yellow Figwort holds a valuable place within the plant community of its native range, offering essential habitat and food sources for a variety of wildlife. For botanists, horticulturists, and nature enthusiasts alike, Scrophularia vernalis presents an intriguing subject of study and admiration.

Common Names

Deu: frühlings-braunwurz, frühlingsbraunwurz
Nld: voorjaarshelmkruid
Dan: vår-brunrod
Eng: yellow figwort
Ces: krti
Fra: scrofulaire printanière
Est: vesi-sealõuarohi
Swe: vårflenört
Cym: gornerth felen, gornerth melyn, gwrnerth melyn
En: Yellow Figwort
Cs: Krti
Da: Vår-brunrod
Nl: Voorjaarshelmkruid
Et: Vesi-sealõuarohi
Fi: Kevätsyyläjuuri
Fr: Scrofulaire printanière, Scrofulaire de printemps, Scrophulaire de printemps
De: Frühlings-Braunwurz, Frühlingsbraunwurz
It: Scrofularia gialla
Sv: Vårflenört
Cy: Gornerth Felen, Gornerth Melyn, Gwrnerth Melyn
: Yellow figwort

Synonyms

• Venilia vernalis ((L.) Fourr.)
• Ceramanthe vernalis ((L.) Dumort.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Koen Delen (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Lex Wunderink (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by Ellen4geerlings (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by PieterJan Mellegers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 1, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by PieterJan Mellegers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2022 by Bonekamp Laurens (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2020 by Els Helmers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 5, 2022 by hieracium eriophorum (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2019 by Stronks Erik (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Hans Toetenel (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 30, 2020 by Frank Reiser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7810918)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:809598-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scrophularia vernalis L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6