Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District

Late Figwort (Carpenter's Square)
Scrophularia marilandica   [C-value 4]
Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae)
Blooms August - mid-September

The native Late Figwort is uncommon in our area. This perennial prefers medium shade to partial sun and moderately-moist soil. Habitats include moderately-moist deciduous woodlands, savannas, and edges of shaded hillside seeps. It is about 3½-8' tall, branching occasionally. Its stems are 4-angled (square), furrowed and hairy. Its opposite leaves are up to 7" long and 3½" across and toothed on slender petioles up to 2½" long. The upper stems terminate in elongated panicles of flowers up to 1' long, consisting of an erect central stalk with short widely spreading lateral branches. The small flowers are about 1/3" long with a dull green exterior and maroon interior. Each flower is replaced by a 2-celled capsule containing numerous tiny seeds. 

Late Figwort at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve woods edge July 30, 2017 (note maroon color of open blooms)

Late Figwort blooms at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve woods edge July 30, 2017

Late Figwort foliage in woods at Harris Forest Preserve August 20, 2013

Late Figwort at Baker Woods Forest Preserve August 28, 2012

Late Figwort at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve woods edge July 30, 2017

Late Figwort fall seedheads at Hoover Forest Preserve October 29, 2014

Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved.

Back to index page

Back to K.C.F.P. home page