Scrophularia lanceolata Pursh

Species Identity and Growth Habit

Scrophularia lanceolata Pursh is a perennial herb that grows in clusters of erect or spreading stems reaching up to 1.5 meters in length.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are arranged oppositely, with toothed blades that are either triangular or lance-shaped, growing up to 14 centimetres (5.5 in) long and attached to the stem by short petioles.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is a wide-open panicle, with several hairy, glandular branches that hold the plant's flowers.

Flower Corolla Shape

Each flower has a spherical or urn-shaped corolla that opens at the top into a narrow mouth edged with hood-like lobes.

Corolla Size and Color

The corolla is roughly 1–1.5 centimetres (0.39–0.59 in) long, and is greenish, tinged with brown or dull pink.

Staminode Feature

A wide staminode is generally visible in the corolla's mouth.

Fruit Characteristics

When ripe, the fruit is a brown, teardrop-shaped capsule just under a centimeter long.

Seed Details

This capsule holds many very small black seeds, which are released when the capsule splits in half.

Light Requirements

Scrophularia lanceolata grows in conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun.

Habitat Range

It can be found in open woods, thickets, along roadsides, along railroad right-of-ways, and in open fields.

Medicinal Use

This plant has been used medicinally to treat swollen glands.