Knotted Figwort
Scrophularia nodosa
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Pl. 4A8D — Scrophularia nodosa
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IOverview
Overview
Knotted Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soil conditions across Europe and parts of Asia. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, it has been cultivated for its edible roots. This plant grows up to 1 meter tall and can be found in various habitats from the Baltic States to Turkey-in-Europe. Its distinctive feature is a knotted appearance at the base of the stem, which gives it its common name. Knotted Figwort prefers soil pH between 6.5 and 7 and thrives in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils, making it adaptable to different growing environments.
Quick answers
What is Knotted Figwort?
Knotted Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soil conditions across Europe and parts of Asia. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, it has been cultivated for its edible roots.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Knotted Figwort thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in temperate regions, generally tolerating zones 6-9. This perennial grows up to 1 meter tall and requires partial shade to full sun. For best results, maintain a soil pH between 6.5 and 7. Propagate via division of roots or by seed. Edible parts include the root, which can be harvested after the plant has matured.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Knotted Figwort for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Knotted Figwort in a well-prepared soil and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep. Transplant young plants in the garden after they have grown for a few weeks.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and protect from direct sun until established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a location, neglecting regular watering during dry spells.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Knotted Figwort's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is harvested and either dried or cooked. The roots are often boiled to soften them before consumption. Skip the raw form as it may not be palatable.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyItalyNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Altay, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4a8dac35-e6cb-42d5-a5fb-81341540bdd3
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