Water Betony
Scrophularia umbrosafam. Scrophulariaceae
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Pl. F683 — Scrophularia umbrosa
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IOverview
Overview
Water Betony (Scrophularia umbrosa) is a perennial plant native to the moist and wet habitats of central and southern Europe, as well as parts of Asia including Russia, Turkey, and the Balkans. Known for its edible root, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. Standing up to 1.5 meters tall, Water Betony is recognizable by its light requirements and hardiness zones of 6-9, thriving in environments from the Mediterranean to Siberia.
Quick answers
What is Water Betony?
Water Betony (Scrophularia umbrosa) is a perennial plant native to the moist and wet habitats of central and southern Europe, as well as parts of Asia including Russia, Turkey, and the Balkans. Known for its edible root, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Water Betony thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 6-9 and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. This perennial plant requires plenty of light but can tolerate some shade. For propagation, gardeners can use root cuttings or divide established plants in early spring. Regular watering is essential for its health, especially during dry periods.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Water Betony for the first time
8steps
Water Betony is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, focusing on soil preparation and basic care.
- 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 fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep or plant young plants in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead foliage.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a location, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Water Betony is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is dug up and used fresh or dried before being added to soups or stews. Skip the raw consumption as it may not be palatable.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)KazakhstanMongolia
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Scrophulariaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Scrophulariaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Growing zone
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f683c61d-f89f-4a37-98d1-ab9ff796d6a3
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