When does California Figwort bloom?

California Figwort blooms from April through July, producing small reddish-brown flowers in clusters.

What pollinators visit California Figwort?

California Figwort attracts bees and flies as its primary pollinators. The small tubular flowers are well-suited for these insects.

Where is California Figwort native?

California Figwort is native to the western United States, including Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington.

What growing conditions does California Figwort prefer?

California Figwort grows well in partial sun with medium water requirements. It can tolerate a range of light and moisture conditions.

Is California Figwort HOA-friendly?

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

California Figwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Scrophularia californica

Last reviewed: June 2026

California Figwort (Scrophularia californica) is a native perennial forb found in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. It blooms from April through July with small red flowers that attract bees and flies.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

This sturdy perennial produces clusters of small reddish-brown flowers from spring through summer. The native herb grows in an upright clump and thrives in partially shaded areas with moderate watering.

Growing California Figwort

Grow California Figwort in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

California 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.

Unusual brownish flower color may appear unattractive to conventional gardeners
Can look scraggly or weedy in structure
Not widely recognized as an ornamental plant

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various bees and beneficial flies throughout its long blooming season from April to July.

Common questions

When does California Figwort bloom?: California Figwort blooms from April through July, producing small reddish-brown flowers in clusters.
What pollinators visit California Figwort?: California Figwort attracts bees and flies as its primary pollinators. The small tubular flowers are well-suited for these insects.
Where is California Figwort native?: California Figwort is native to the western United States, including Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington.
What growing conditions does California Figwort prefer?: California Figwort grows well in partial sun with medium water requirements. It can tolerate a range of light and moisture conditions.
Is California Figwort HOA-friendly?: California Figwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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

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