Scrophularia nodosa aka Common Figwort

Scrophularia nodosa, also known as figwort, woodland figwort, and common figwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant found in temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere, excluding western North America. It thrives in moist and cultivated waste ground. This herbaceous perennial features green, occasionally bronzy, leaves and bronze stems. In summer and early autumn, it produces tiny, hooded, brown and green flowers in whorls on stout, square stems, followed by light brown seed capsules. Growing up to 1m in height, Scrophularia nodosa is hardy to zone 7 and is not frost tender. It blooms from June to September, with the seeds ripening from July to September. This species is hermaphrodite and is pollinated by bees and wasps. It can thrive in light, medium, and heavy soils with various pH levels and can grow in semi-shade or no shade, but it prefers moist soil. The leaves of Scrophularia nodosa are oval and pointed, arising as opposite pairs with short stalks and toothed edges. Sometimes, the young leaves may display a slight purple tint. The small, inconspicuous flowers occur in clusters and have two red-brown or maroon lobes on the upper lip and three greenish lobes on the lower lip. The plant is commonly found in damp deciduous woodland and hedgerows and has a tuberous root system with small nodules, hence its specific name "nodosa." It emits a foetid smell. The herb was historically used for lymphatic infections, and its cleansing properties were utilized to remove impurities and clean the lymph nodes and systems. Figwort was also applied topically for burns, wounds, swellings, abscesses, sores, and sprains. Today, modern herbalists continue to employ the plant for these same purposes, including thyroid problems. While this plant is considered useful, it is important to note that it may be poisonous. To get rid of Scrophularia nodosa, one can avoid insulating it in winter or simply refrain from moistening the soil.