🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
While technically edible when cooked, Eastern figwort is primarily valued for its medicinal properties and utility in attracting beneficial insects. It is considered an important pollinator plant, attracting wasps, flies, and bees due to its nectar-rich flowers. Some herbalists use it to create topical salves for skin conditions. It's a native plant, requiring little maintenance once established. Its strong, angular stems can be used in small craft projects.
Botanical description
Scrophularia marilandica, commonly called Eastern figwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). It grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet. The stems are erect, sharply 4-angled, and winged along the angles. The leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate, coarsely toothed, and petiolate. The flowers are small, greenish-brown to purplish, and arranged in open, branched panicles. They have a distinctive two-lipped corolla. The fruits are small capsules containing numerous seeds. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade.
Companion planting
Eastern figwort attracts beneficial insects, including wasps and flies that prey on garden pests, making it a good companion plant for many vegetable and ornamental species. Its strong growth could potentially shade out smaller, sun-loving plants, so space appropriately. Avoid planting near plants susceptible to aphid infestations, as the nectar attracts aphids, even though it attracts beneficial insects that control them.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically achieved through seeds, cuttings, or division of the rootstock. Seeds require cold stratification for optimal germination. Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in a well-draining medium. Division is best done in early spring or fall.
History and traditions
Historically, Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, have used figwort species medicinally. The roots and leaves were often employed in infusions or poultices to treat skin ailments, scrofula (a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes), and wounds. The plant's common name, 'figwort,' refers to its traditional use in treating fig-like tumors or lesions.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs from July to September. Seed collection follows in the fall. Spring or fall is the best time for planting and dividing. Pruning is not generally necessary, but deadheading spent flower spikes can improve appearance.