Scrophularia marilandica

Present in nearly all of the Mountain region and most of the Piedmont of North Carolina, Late Figwort is a pollinator magnet! An upright, square-stemmed perennial native to open woods and roadsides, its tiny, greenish purple two-lipped, tubular flowers with reddish-brown interiors bloom in summer, following Early Figwort (Scrophularia lanceolata). This species prefers rich hardwood forests and is occasionally found along moist roadbanks and forest edges. One of the best nectar species for attracting native butterflies, bees, flies, wasps, and even the ruby-throated hummingbird! Up close, the flowers can be seen dripping with nectar. In the fall, the leaves and stalks turn maroon with tear-drop shaped seed pods filled with tons of tiny seeds, reseeding itself readily. This species makes a great addition to any pollinator garden, especially paired with Early Figwort where they can spread rhizomatously and via seed. Historically, the roots have been used to create tonic given as a treatment for insomnia and anxiety, adding to its value!