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(Scrophularia auriculata)
Water Figwort (Scrophularia auriculata)
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Javier martin
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Javier martin
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Javier martin | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en | Uploader: Javier martin | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Scrophularia auriculata, commonly known as Water Figwort or Shoreline Figwort, is a perennial herb native to damp habitats such as riverbanks, fens, and wet woodlands across Europe and North Africa. It typically grows to a height of 70 cm and features blunt oval, crenate leaves arranged in alternate pairs along its greenish-purple, square stem. The plant produces small, maroon-brownish, globular flowers with two small lips above and below, which are not particularly showy but are of interest to pollinators. The flowering season extends from June to September.
Water Figwort is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in riparian plantings, wildlife gardens, and naturalized areas where it can provide habitat for insects and birds. It is also used in traditional medicine, though it should be handled with care due to its potential toxicity. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and consistently moist to wet soil conditions with slow drainage. While it is not drought-tolerant, it is relatively low-maintenance once established in a suitable location. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously in ideal conditions and may require management to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0
Water Figwort is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in riparian plantings, wildlife gardens, and naturalized areas where it can provide habitat for insects and birds. It is also used in traditional medicine, though it should be handled with care due to its potential toxicity. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and consistently moist to wet soil conditions with slow drainage. While it is not drought-tolerant, it is relatively low-maintenance once established in a suitable location. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously in ideal conditions and may require management to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Brown, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden
Natural Habitat
native to damp habitats such as riverbanks, fens, and wet woodlands across Europe and North Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Water Betony, Water Figwort, Geöhrte Braunwurz, Geoord Helmkruid, Vattenflenört
Scientific Names: , Scrophularia auriculata, Scrophularia aquatica var. glabra, Scrophularia verticillata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Scrophularia auriculata L.