Scrophularia lanceolata

Puzzlingly very rare in North Carolina, certainly under-observed or mistaken for the more common species Scrophularia marilandica. Found in only a handful of counties, this upright perennial frequents upland hardwood forests with slightly acidic soils. Not known for their beauty—blooms could be called subtle—but they are abundant in nectar! This makes them one of the best species for attracting butterflies, bees, wasps, other insects, and birds—especially the ruby-throated hummingbird! Early Figwort is best suited for wildflower gardens or naturalized areas where its self-seeding habit is not a concern. The beauty of its flowers is hard to capture in photos but up close has been described as a small preacher standing in a pulpit. These are definitely plants best enjoyed close up and in person. The tissues of these plants contain many acrid compounds and thus are seldom browsed upon by herbivores. Rarely offered for sale at nurseries, planting this unique plant alongside S. marilandica will bring a variety of pollinators to your garden to enjoy blooms from spring through autumn.