Scrophularia chrysantha

plant

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July 13, 2026

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Scrophularia chrysantha is a species within the genus Scrophularia, commonly known as figwort. This genus comprises about 200 species of coarse herbs native to open woodlands in the Northern Hemisphere. The name "figwort" originates from its historical use in treating hemorrhoids, a condition once called "figs".1

These plants are typically tall with large, branched spikes of flowers that can be purple, greenish, or yellow. S. chrysantha, specifically, is found in the Caucasus region and has green-yellow flowers. It is sometimes cultivated in flower borders. Other species, like Maryland figwort (S. marilandica), can grow up to 3 meters tall and have greenish-purple flowers. The genus name Scrophularia itself comes from the supposed efficacy of these plants in treating scrofula.12

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figwort
S. chrysantha, of the Caucasus, with green-yellow flowers, is sometimes grown in flower borders. Maryland figwort (S. marilandica), up to 3 metres (10 feet) tall, has greenish purple flowers; it is also called carpenter’s square because of its four-sided grooved stems. At least one species,…
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S. chrysantha, of the Caucasus, with green-yellow flowers, is sometimes grown in flower borders. Maryland figwort (S. marilandica), up to 3 metres (10 feet) tall, has greenish purple flowers; it is also called carpenter’s square because of its four-sided grooved stems. At least one species,…
Read More