Carpenter's Square

Scrophularia marilandica

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Genus:
Scrophularia
Species:
Scrophularia marilandica
USDA Symbol:
SCMA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
250 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
green, maroon, brown

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, wasps, hummingbirds
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI