When does American Figwort bloom?

Scrophularia lanceolata blooms from June through August, producing small flowers that attract various pollinators.

What pollinators visit American Figwort?

American Figwort is visited by bees and flies, making it a valuable native plant for supporting pollinator populations.

Where is Scrophularia lanceolata native?

American Figwort is native to most US states from coast to coast, including California, Colorado, New York, Texas surrogate states, and many others across diverse regions.

What growing conditions does American Figwort prefer?

This adaptable forb tolerates full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, though it typically grows best with medium water conditions.

Is American Figwort HOA-friendly?

American Figwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Figwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Scrophularia lanceolata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Scrophularia lanceolata (American Figwort) is a native forb found across most US states that blooms June through August. This adaptable plant tolerates various light and moisture conditions while attracting bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

American Figwort (Scrophularia lanceolata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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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.

Growing American Figwort

Grow American Figwort in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

When does American Figwort bloom?: Scrophularia lanceolata blooms from June through August, producing small flowers that attract various pollinators.
What pollinators visit American Figwort?: American Figwort is visited by bees and flies, making it a valuable native plant for supporting pollinator populations.
Where is Scrophularia lanceolata native?: American Figwort is native to most US states from coast to coast, including California, Colorado, New York, Texas surrogate states, and many others across diverse regions.
What growing conditions does American Figwort prefer?: This adaptable forb tolerates full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels, though it typically grows best with medium water conditions.
Is American Figwort HOA-friendly?: American Figwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Figwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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