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Water Figwort

©Mick E Talbot

Water figwort

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Scientific name: Scrophularia auriculata
Water figwort is a tall plant of riverbanks, pond margins, damp meadows and wet woodlands. Its maroon flowers are pollinated by the Common wasp.

Top facts

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Height: up to 1m

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

June to September

About

Water figwort is a common plant of riverbanks, pond margins, damp meadows and wet woodlands. Its maroon flowers appear from June to September, provide nectar for bumblebees, and are pollinated by the Common wasp.

What to look for

Water figwort has reddish, square stems and pointed, toothed leaves that are evergreen. Its flowers are deep maroon with two lips, and conspicuous green sepals that have brown edges; they are held in branches off the main stem and appear in whorls.

Where to find

Found throughout the UK, but scarcer in Scotland.

Habitats

Did you know?

Many emergent wetland plants, such as Water Figwort, provide resting places for aquatic insects, such as Caddis flies and Alder flies.