Scrophularia nodosa

'Knotted Figwort'

[Ex. RYEDALE, NORTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND] 

Scrophulariaceae: an upright, hairless perennial to 70cm, the stems are solid and square and not winged like S. auriculata (Water Figwort). Grows in damp woods and shady places. The interesting flowers are up to 1cm long, greenish white with a maroon upper lip, in open spikes, appearing from June-September. The fruit capsules look like miniature greenish figs. The leaves are oval, pointed, with sharp teeth. Wide spread and common, except in Northern Scotland. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, south and east from Norway to Spain and temperate Asia to the Yensei region.

USES:

The leaves have detergent and vulnerary properties. They are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use. The plant has a good reputation as a wound herb, either applied externally as a poultice or taken as a decoction. The plant supports the detoxification of the body and it may be used as a treatment for various kinds of skin disorders. The whole plant is alterative, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mildly purgative and stimulant. It is harvested as the plant comes into flower in the summer and can be dried for later use. A decoction is applied externally to sprains, swellings, burns, inflammations, and is said to be useful in treating chronic skin diseases, scrofulous sores and gangrene.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Succeeds in most moist soils. A good bee plant. Surface sow seeds spring or autumn in a cold frame or greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

HARVESTED: 2020

 

APPROX. 100+ SEEDS