figwort

[ fig-wurt, -wawrt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of numerous tall, usually coarse woodland plants of the genus Scrophularia, having a terminal cluster of small greenish-brown to purplish-brown flowers.

figwort

/ ˈfɪɡˌwɜːt /

any scrophulariaceous plant of the N temperate genus Scrophularia , having square stems and small brown or greenish flowers

Origin of figwort¹

First recorded in 1540–50; fig ¹ + wort ²

One species—the Water Figwort (Scrophularia aquatica)—grows in marshes and on the banks of ditches and streams.

Scrophularia, or figwort (Scrophularia marilandica), contains a principle which has a digitalis-like action on the heart.

One species, Vespa sylvestris, which seldom enters our houses, is very partial to the flowers of Scrophularia (Figwort).

The Knotty Figwort is a tall and stout plant, with a four-sided stem which is curiously twisted.

The leaves near the foot of the Knotty Figwort stem are large and broadly oval, with short stalks.

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