Scrophularia auriculata aka Water Figwort

Scrophularia auriculata is known as water figwort. This hardy plant lives for more than two years. It belongs to Scrophulariaceae, the figwort family. It grows wild in Eurasia, which includes Britain and Ireland. Some call it brook betony or bishop's leaves. Other names are water betony, brownwort, and stinking Christopher. It grows in clumps and sheds its leaves for winter.

Plants grow about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall and wide. The RHS gives a height in flower of around 3 feet [0.9 metres]. They take two to five years to reach full size. The stems are square, and their oval leaves look wrinkled. The leaves stay dark green through the growing season. Small flowers form in groups from early summer into early autumn. Each bloom is yellow-green, with a reddish-brown upper lip. The small blooms stand out against the broad, dark leaves.

Water figwort suits a bog garden or damp wildlife garden. The RHS says to plant it in soil that stays damp. It names part shade as the main choice for growing it. Its guide to sites also lists full sun as suitable. The guide includes sites that face east or north. Plants grow in open sites or those with shelter. The RHS lists clay, chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. The plant also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. With any of these soils, it still needs damp ground.

The RHS gives water figwort a hardiness rating of H7. This covers Europe's coldest inland climates, with cold below −20°C. Keep its frost tolerance and need for damp soil in mind. These traits help guide where to plant it. Choose a wet spot with room for a leafy clump. Leave space for its full height and width at planting. The RHS names wildlife gardens as a place to grow it. Its blooms last through summer and into early autumn.

Slugs and caterpillars may harm the plant, as may figwort weevils. The RHS says disease is not a problem in most cases. Cut old growth down to the ground once the growing season ends. Grow new plants from seed, or split clumps already grown. Spring and autumn are the advised times to raise new plants. The source gives no facts on parts safe to eat. Nor does it say whether the plant is toxic. It gives no fruit details for this species.