Maryland Figwort

Plant of the Week May 30, 2023

Maryland Figwort

Scrophularia marilandica

by: Nyle Zikmund, Anoka County Master Gardener

Maryland figwort, a Minnesota native, prefers shade to part shade. Areas of dappled shade are ideal. It can be a giant with heights ranging from two feet up to ten feet. If you have garden spaces needing some stature, this could be your solution. In front of a wall or the back part of a garden are excellent placements. 

The beautiful, intricate flowers of Maryland figwort are too unique to describe. Although the foliage may not be showy, the plant is a pollinator magnet. From July to September, bees, flies, ants, and even hummingbirds are constant visitors. As you can see from the photos, it is a bushy plant that can fill its area. It also produces a copious amount of seeds allowing for easy propagation. You may always remove any unwanted new seedlings with a hand hoe in the spring.

This hardy native is suitable for the well-drained soils of the Anoka County sand plain. With a lengthy bloom time, no known serious insect or disease problems, and its attractiveness to pollinators, this is a marvelous plant. Maryland Figwort is an excellent option that warrants serious consideration for your garden.

Links

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287073&isprofile=0&https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/maryland-figwort