Scrophularia nodosa, commonly known as figwort or woodland figwort, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including damp woodlands, hedgerows, and riverside thickets across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the exception of western North America. It typically grows to a height of up to 59 inches (150 cm) with upright, thick, sharply square stems. The leaves are arranged oppositely, with the lower leaves being ovate and the upper leaves lanceolate, all featuring toothed margins. From June to September, figwort produces small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in loose cymes. The flowers are globular with green or purple petals and are followed by egg-shaped seed capsules. The plant’s long-standing presence is evidenced by historical seed identification from the Middle Pleistocene.

Figwort is valued for its historical medicinal uses and is sometimes cultivated in gardens for its unique appearance. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas. While not known for showy flowers, it can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Figwort requires minimal maintenance once established and is generally free from serious pest and disease problems. However, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, which should be considered when planting in smaller gardens or near natural areas to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0