Scrophularia nodosa

Scrophularia nodosa, commonly known as figwort, is a species of coarse herb belonging to the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Native to open woodlands in the Northern Hemisphere, figworts have been historically used to treat ailments like hemorrhoids, which were once called "figs".1

These plants are typically tall with large, branched spikes of flowers that can be purple, greenish, or yellow. Scrophularia nodosa is a species widely naturalized in eastern North America and features small, pea-sized flowers. Another common name for some species, like S. marilandica, is carpenter's square due to their grooved, four-sided stems. Some species are also cultivated for ornamental purposes.1