Scrophularia auriculata aka Water Figwort

Scrophularia auriculata, also known as shoreline figwort or water figwort, is a perennial plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is commonly found in Western Europe and North Africa, thriving in damp areas such as river margins and ponds. This erect herbaceous perennial can grow up to 70 cm tall and features blunt oval leaves with crenate edges. The leaves are arranged alternately in pairs on a greenish-purple square stem, with some leaves having two small lobes at their base. The spikes of small maroon-brownish globular flowers are held stiffly on square stems that emerge from the main stem at the angle of the leaf stalks. The square stems are distinguishable by the presence of wings running down each corner, which are more prominent compared to the closely related common figwort. The flowers bloom from June to September, eventually producing small spherical to pear-shaped capsules that contain numerous seeds. The plant's name, auriculata, is derived from the auricles found at the base of its leaves. It is worth noting that this plant may be poisonous. Additionally, Scrophularia auriculata serves as a host for the figwort sawfly, whose larvae feed on the leaves. If you wish to remove this plant, simply eliminate it from its humid environment.