When does California figwort bloom?

California figwort typically flowers from April through July, producing small tubular maroon blossoms along tall stems.

What pollinators visit California figwort?

Bees and flies are the main visitors to California figwort, drawn to its small nectar rich flowers.

How much light does California figwort need?

This plant does best in part sun to part shade, often growing along woodland edges or partially open slopes.

How much water does California figwort require?

California figwort prefers medium moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once established, especially in shadier spots.

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: September 2026

California figwort is a tall herbaceous forb that blooms from April through July with small maroon flowers favored by bees and flies. It grows well in part sun to part shade with moderate water along the West Coast.

Toxicity unknown

California Figwort (Scrophularia californica) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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 typically flowers from April through July, producing small tubular maroon blossoms along tall stems.
What pollinators visit California figwort?: Bees and flies are the main visitors to California figwort, drawn to its small nectar rich flowers.
How much light does California figwort need?: This plant does best in part sun to part shade, often growing along woodland edges or partially open slopes.
How much water does California figwort require?: California figwort prefers medium moisture but can tolerate drier conditions once established, especially in shadier spots.
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.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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