Late figwort is a native plant in the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family and is native to QC west to MN, south to FL and west to TX. It is found in the mountains of NC growing along moist to dry fertile forests and streams. It will grow 5-10 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. The genus name is in reference to a one-time use of some genus plants in the treatment of scrofula. The specific epithet, marilandica, means "of Maryland." The unusual flowers appear from late summer to fall and produce an abundance of nectar that attracts bees, wasps, flies, butterflies and hummingbirds. Its nectar is quick to replenish and beekeepers have used the plant to make good-quality honey in the past. The large leaves are on a square many-branched stem. This plant prefers partial shade but will also tolerate full sun. It does best in fertile moist sandy loam but is adaptable if the soil is well-drained. Although the flowers are not large and showy, late figwort will make a great addition to the native pollinator garden. It will also do well along the margins of streams ponds and woodlands. Propagates easily from seeds and also has short tuberous rhizomes that can be divided. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Can be susceptible to damage from leaf spot and downy mildew. Potential insect pests include caterpillars, slugs and weevils.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Multi-stemmed
Texture
Medium
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Large dull green leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape with serrated margins and 4-7 inches long and 3 inches wide. A few hairs are present along the veins on the underside
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Panicle
Flower shape
Lipped; Urn
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Loose panicles up to 12 inches tall of small urn-shaped 2-lipped flowers appear in July through September. The inside of the flower is a reddish brown while the exterior is green to purplish. Individual flowers are 1/3 inch long.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Green
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Small teardrop-shaped capsule with many small seeds that splits in 2 sections when mature
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Green
Stem detail
Grooved, square, many-branched green stems are covered in dark-tipped glandular hairs. May become woody at the base by fall.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Eastern and Central USA and Ontario, Canada
Distribution
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, F , GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV Canada: ON
Wildlife value
Attracts bees, wasps, butterflies and hummingbirds to the flowers