Figwort Seeds

$4.00

Low-maintenance perennial that thrives in shaded areas. Tubular red, purple, or yellow flowers. Gardeners often grow Figwort just for the pollinators. The late-blooming tubular flowers attract bees and hummingbirds and it provides nectar during a time when other plants may no longer be in bloom. Figwort has a long history in herbal medicine, often used for treating skin conditions, sore throats, and inflammation. This hardy plant is both beautiful and medicinal, making it a versatile addition to any garden.

Availability: 4 in stock

Scrophularia nodosa Figwort (Scrophularia), also known as Woodland or Knotted Figwort, is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that is not only valued for its medicinal properties but also for its ability to attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in shaded or partially shaded garden spaces, adding vibrant colour with its tubular blooms in shades of red, purple, and yellow. These flowers are particularly appealing to pollinators, making it a popular choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Figwort is often grown specifically for its role in supporting pollinator populations. Beekeepers in the 19th century recognized its value as a nectar source, even planting it to enhance honey production. The honey produced from Figwort was described as light, clear, and aroma-free, and a single acre of the plant could yield between 400 to 800 pounds of high-quality honey. Today, gardeners continue to cultivate it for both its medicinal properties and its crucial support for pollinator species.

The name Scrophularia comes from “scrofula,” a historical term for tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands, for which Figwort was once used as a treatment. Its roots have a long history in herbal medicine, particularly for addressing skin issues like burns, sprains, swelling, and inflammation. Additionally, it has been used traditionally to soothe sore throats, swollen tonsils, and red, swollen eyes.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Figwort is known as Xuan Shen and is valued as a yin tonic. The plant’s roots are believed to “cool the blood,” and they are used to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and other skin disorders.

Figwort is a versatile plant that brings dual benefits to the garden: it supports pollinators with its attractive flowers and contributes to biodiversity, while also offering a rich history of medicinal uses. Whether you’re seeking a plant that supports wildlife or are interested in its therapeutic qualities, Figwort is a rewarding addition to any garden.

These seeds are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.