Desert Figwort
Scrophularia desertorum
- Native to:
- United States
Jim Morefield (www.flickr.com) from Nevada, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Scrophulariaceae
- Genus:
- Scrophularia
- Species:
- Scrophularia desertorum
- USDA Symbol:
- SCDE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- red, maroon, brown
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Amblyptilia pica, Autographa labrosa, chalcedony midget (Elaphria chalcedonia), Clepsis fucana, omnivorous leaftier (Cnephasia longana), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia citrana), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana), Phymatopus hectoides, white-shouldered fruit moth (Ptycholoma peritana), Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Adapted to arid desert conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Light may improve germination. Seeds are small and should be surface-sown.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI