Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa)

Description

Perennial. The whole plant is used to make medicine as it contains chemicals that might decrease pain & inflammation, fight infections, help wounds heal; typically prepared in topical applications, as an extract, or steeped as tea.

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. 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. A must grow for the bees, wasps, flies, & humminbirds. Attracts beneficial predatory wasps.
Xerces Society “Special Value to Native Bees: recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting a large numbers of native bees.””Supports Conservation Biological Control: A plant that attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects.”  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. Does well in regular garden conditions. Days to maturity: 120 days, spacing: 18”,Pinch: not necessary

Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; transplant once weather has warmed. Pick when stem tips are no longer floppy and flowers last up to 2 weeks in the vase.

Approx seeds per packet: 200