Figworts
Botanical name: Scrophularia
Figworts
Botanical name: Scrophularia
Description
Figworts are comprised of hundreds of individual herbaceous, flowering species. Figworts all share square stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of open, two-lipped flowers. They particularly enjoy open woodland habitats and are providers of an important source of food for rare butterflies and moths, such as the *Phymatopus hectoides.* 
Species of Figworts
French figwort
French figwort (Scrophularia canina) grows along chalky and limestone ridges. Figworts take their Latin name from "scrofula," a form of tuberculosis. The Latin name of this species, translated as "Dog's Figwort," is ironic since figwort is widely recognized for its toxicity to canines.
Lanceleaf figwort
The lanceleaf figwort (Scrophularia lanceolata) does not have very showy flowers, but it attracts many insects, including wasps and bumblebees. The genus was named after scrophula (a disease that causes swelling in the lymph nodes) because of the appearance of its knobbly rhizomes.
Green figwort
Green figwort (Scrophularia umbrosa) is a perennial herb commonly found in nutrient-rich soils close to water sources or in wet woodlands. This plant can be differentiated from the similar water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) by its stem which is greener and has no leaf auricles. This herb is pollinated by wasps and bees.
Water figwort
Native to western Europe and north Africa, the water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) grows alongside streams and ponds and in marshes. The sticky flowers attract bees but are specifically shaped to be pollinated by social wasps. The larvae of the figwort sawfly feed on the leaves. It also provides caddis flies and alder flies with somewhere to rest.
California figwort
California figwort (Scrophularia californica) is an evergreen perennial that attracts bees butterflies and birds. It blooms in spring with deep reddish-burgundy flowers that are small and slightly fragrant. Prefers to grow in partial shade and well-drained soil.
Carpenter's square
Carpenter's square is also known as Scrophularia marilandica. It is a flowering plant native to the eastern and central parts of North America. It grows in dry woodlands. The flowers are small and not very showy, but they produce a lot of nectar that attracts hummingbirds and a wide variety of bee species.
Woodland figwort
Woodland figwort is an herbaceous perennial found in most of North America. Brownish red flowers grow in clusters on this plant. It produces an unpleasant fragrance which attracts pollinators. Woodland figwort stores energy in underground tubers.
Scrophularia grandiflora
Scrophularia grandiflora are comprised of hundreds of individual herbaceous, flowering species. Scrophularia grandiflora all share square stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of open, two-lipped flowers. They particularly enjoy open woodland habitats and are providers of an important source of food for rare butterflies and moths, such as the Phymatopus hectoides.
Scrophularia frutescens
Scrophularia frutescens are comprised of hundreds of individual herbaceous, flowering species. Scrophularia frutescens all share square stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of open, two-lipped flowers. They particularly enjoy open woodland habitats and are providers of an important source of food for rare butterflies and moths, such as the Phymatopus hectoides.
Scientific Classification
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