Figwort

(Scrophularia L.)

The two widespread species native to North America are Scrophularia lanceolata, and Scrophularia marilandica. Both can be used interchangeably. For the purpose of this monograph, I will be referencing both.

Other Names:
N/A

Range:


Family:
Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family

Growth Type:
Herbaceous perennial

Height:
Can grow up to 10 feet tall

Leaves:
The ovate to lanceolate leaves are arranged opposite along the stem on short petioles. They are dull green in color, and have doubly serrated margins. They can grow up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide.

Stem/Trunk:
Square stems

Root:
Knobby, tuberous, root stock

Flower Season:
July - September

Flower Appearance:
The tiny, greenish-purple flowers are tubular shaped with 2-lips. The flower interiors are reddish-brown in color. The flowers are borne in loose pyramidal shaped flowerheads at the end of their tall flower stems.

Seed/Fruit:
Pollentaed flowers mature into an ovoid seed capsule.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A

Habitat:
Rich moist woodlands, ravines, thickets and forest margins

Parts Used:
Whole plant

Culinary Uses:
The tubers are "edible"'" but they have an off-putting smell that makes eating them a daunting task.

Energetics
Taste: Salty
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Moistening

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Swollen glands. Arthritis, rheumatism..any joint inflammation with prostaglandin or adrenocortical deficiency.

Medicinal Actions:
Alterative, Analgesic, Anodyne, Antiarrhythmic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Diuretic, Laxative, Stimulant, Tonic - Cardiac