California Figwort
(Scrophularia californica)
California Figwort (Scrophularia californica)
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rappman
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Image By:
rappman
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: rappman | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: rappman | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-06-04T21:59:43Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Scrophularia californica, commonly known as California Figwort or California Bee Plant, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist riparian areas, forest clearings, and the chaparral regions of the Western USA, as well as British Columbia and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters), featuring square stems and broadly ovate leaves. The plant produces small, tubular red to maroon flowers from late spring to early summer, which are modest in appearance but highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers give way to small capsule fruits.
California Figwort is valued for its wildlife benefits, particularly as a nectar source for bees and as a host plant for the larvae of the variable checkerspot butterfly. It is suitable for naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and as a background plant in borders due to its height. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread by rhizomes and may require control in smaller garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Figwort is valued for its wildlife benefits, particularly as a nectar source for bees and as a host plant for the larvae of the variable checkerspot butterfly. It is suitable for naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and as a background plant in borders due to its height. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread by rhizomes and may require control in smaller garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type:
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist riparian areas, forest clearings, and chaparral regions
Other Names
Common Names: California Bee Plant , Bee Plant
Scientific Names: Scrophularia californica , Scrophularia californica subsp. floribunda , Scrophularia californica subsp. californica , Scrophularia californica var. floribunda , Scrophularia multiflora , Scrophularia oregana , Scrophularia californica var. californica , Scrophularia californica var. oregana , Scrophularia floribunda , Scrophularia californica var. catalina
GBIF Accepted Name: Scrophularia californica Cham. & Schltdl.