It can spread by seed in ideal conditions but is generally well behaved in garden settings.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade and moist soil, mimicking its natural woodland habitat.

Plant guide

Common figwort.

Scrophularia nodosa

Pronounced skrof-yoo-LAIR-ee-uh no-DOH-suh

Also known as Common Figwort, Knotted Figwort

Common figwort is a hardy perennial native to woodlands and damp areas across Europe and parts of Asia. It is well known for its unique, small, brownish purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. You will often find it growing in shaded, moist spots in the garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural damp habitat. Watch for wilting during dry spells, as this plant does not tolerate drought well. It is quite resilient and generally free of serious pests or diseases.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once during the spring growth period.
Pruning: Cut back the stems to the ground after the plant finishes flowering or in late autumn.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Moist, fertile, well draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -25 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant contains saponins and alkaloids that can be irritating if consumed.
Children: Keep children away from the root tubers as they are not for consumption.
Contact allergens: The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in those with severe hay fever.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause digestive upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Square, four sided stems
Opposite, serrated, ovate leaves
Small, brownish purple, urn shaped flowers
Swollen, tuberous root system

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: greenish, brown, purple, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Powdery mildew · A fungal infection causing white dusty spots on leaves during dry spells.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut the dead stems back to the ground in late autumn or early winter. The plant will remain dormant underground until spring.
In containers: It is not typically grown in containers as it prefers consistent ground moisture.

Division

1. Dig up the plant in early spring.
2. Carefully pull the root clumps apart.
3. Replant immediately in moist soil.

Plant in groups of three to five for the best visual impact in a shady border.

Grows well with

Foxglove · They share similar woodland soil and moisture requirements.
Ferns · Ferns provide a nice textural contrast to the upright stems of the figwort.

Similar species

Water Figwort · It is a close relative that prefers even wetter conditions.

Science

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Scrophularia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and parts of Western Asia.
Conservation: It is a common plant and not of conservation concern.

It naturally grows in damp woodlands and along stream banks where it provides essential late season nectar.

Value to wildlife: excellent nectar source for bees
Pollinators: bees, wasps
Uses: pollinator gardens, woodland borders, wildlife habitats

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it invasive?: It can spread by seed in ideal conditions but is generally well behaved in garden settings.
Does it need full sun?: It prefers partial shade and moist soil, mimicking its natural woodland habitat.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Scrophularia refers to the historical use of the plant to treat scrofula, a form of tuberculosis. The species name nodosa refers to the knotty appearance of the root tubers.

Good to know

It is a favorite of the common wasp.
The flowers are specifically adapted for pollination by wasps rather than bees.
It thrives in damp, shaded spots where other plants struggle.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.