American Figwort
Scrophularia lanceolata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, CT, DE and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American figwort is a native perennial wildflower that grows in upright clumps with small, inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers from June through August. It thrives in partially shaded areas with average moisture and provides reliable summer blooms for beneficial insects.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Figwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Flowers are small and brownish, lacking visual appeal
- Common name includes 'figwort' which sounds weedy
- Can appear scraggly and informal in growth habit
Wildlife value
This plant is particularly valuable for native bees and beneficial flies that pollinate its small but numerous flowers. The blooms provide nectar during the mid-summer period when many other native plants have finished flowering.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Figwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.