Dog Figwort: A Rare European Visitor to American Gardens
If you’ve never heard of dog figwort (Scrophularia canina), you’re not alone. This unassuming perennial herb is one of those plants that flies under the radar, quietly existing in the shadows of more popular garden favorites. But should this European native have a place in your American garden? Let’s dig into what makes this plant tick.
What Exactly Is Dog Figwort?
Dog figwort is a perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Think of it as the botanical equivalent of that reliable friend who shows up consistently but never makes a big fuss about it. This plant belongs to the figwort family and produces small, rather inconspicuous brownish-red flowers that won’t exactly stop traffic but have their own understated charm.
Where Does It Come From and Where Is It Now?
Originally hailing from Europe, dog figwort has somehow found its way across the Atlantic and established itself in New Jersey. It’s what botanists call a non-native species that reproduces on its own in the wild without any help from gardeners. Currently, New Jersey appears to be its only documented home in the United States, making it quite the rare sight for American plant enthusiasts.
Should You Grow Dog Figwort?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While dog figwort isn’t considered invasive or problematic, it’s also not exactly a showstopper in the garden department. Its flowers are small and not particularly showy, so if you’re looking for something to create dramatic visual impact, this probably isn’t your plant.
However, if you’re the type of gardener who appreciates subtle beauty and enjoys growing unusual plants, dog figwort might pique your interest. Just keep in mind that since it’s non-native, you might want to consider some beautiful native alternatives first.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before you set your heart on dog figwort, consider these native figwort family members that offer similar characteristics but support local ecosystems:
- American figwort (Scrophularia lanceolata) – offers similar growth habits with better wildlife support
- Late figwort (Scrophularia marilandica) – provides food for specialized native bees and butterflies
- Various native snapdragons and monkey flowers in the same plant family
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to give dog figwort a try, here’s what little we know about its preferences. Like most members of its family, it likely appreciates:
- Partial shade to full shade conditions
- Moist, well-draining soil
- Protection from harsh afternoon sun
- Regular watering during dry spells
Unfortunately, specific hardiness zone information for this particular species is limited, though most European figworts tend to be fairly cold-hardy.
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
While dog figwort may not be a native species, plants in the figwort family generally attract wasps and some types of bees. The small flowers produce nectar that these insects find appealing, though you shouldn’t expect the same level of ecological support that native plants provide to local wildlife populations.
The Bottom Line
Dog figwort is essentially a botanical curiosity – interesting if you’re into rare or unusual plants, but not essential for most gardens. Its limited distribution, modest appearance, and non-native status mean it’s more of a nice to have than a must have. If you do grow it, treat it as a conversation starter rather than a garden centerpiece, and always prioritize native plants that support local ecosystems first.
Remember, the best gardens are those that reflect both your personal interests and your commitment to supporting local wildlife. Dog figwort might scratch that unusual plant itch, but native alternatives will give you both uniqueness and ecological value.
