Description
Figwort is a hardworking perennial herb that will flower the first year from seed if started early. Great for medicinal use, cut flower filler and pollinator magnet! recommended by Erin at Floret. ($5.95 US +tx+shipping for those in the USA Floret)
The whole plant is used to make medicine as it contains chemicals that might decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), fight infections & help wounds heal; typically prepared in topical applications, as an extract, or steeped as figwort tea. Here is a short video.
36-42” high branching plants produce an abundance of long stems smothered in rather inconspicuous, chocolate and green hoodlike blooms, similar to snapdragons, which ripen into egg-shaped seed capsules and those seed pods are just the perfect bouquet filler for interest and movement! Leathery, long-lasting flowers have a bitter smokey scent, but attract more pollinators than any other plant around. In addition to being a great textural bouquet filler, figwort is a must grow for the bees, wasps, flies, and hummingbirds – especially when planted in large clusters. Attracts beneficial predatory wasps.
Figworts are given a special rating by the Xerces Society because of their value to insects: “Special Value to Native Bees: recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting a large numbers of native bees.” and “Supports Conservation Biological Control: A plant that attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects.” Figworts are among the most prolific nectar producers in the plant world. “Simpson’s honey plant” as it was known in the 1880’s when it was mass-planted in parts of the Midwest where beekeepers claimed a single acre could produce 400 to 800 pounds of honey that was prized for being light, clear, and aromatic.
Tolerates partial shade and wet conditions, making them excellent for planting in rain gardens or along stream banks. Days to maturity: 120 days, Plant spacing: 18”,Pinch: not necessary
Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; sow seeds indoors in trays and transplant once weather has warmed.
Harvesting/Vase Life: Pick when stem tips are no longer floppy and flowers last up to 2 weeks in the vase.
Approx seeds per packet: 200
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