Oregon Figwort (Scrophularia californica ssp. oregana) is a herbaceous perennial native to the Pacific Northwest, thriving from Oregon to British Columbia. This robust plant inhabits moist woodlands, streambanks, and coastal forests, where it plays a vital ecological role. Its tall, branching stems are adorned with small, tubular, greenish-brown to maroon flowers that may not catch the human eye but are a favorite among pollinators, particularly native bees and hummingbirds.
 
Despite its understated blooms, Oregon Figwort is an ecological powerhouse. It provides nectar for specialized pollinators, including figwort specialists like the Anthophora urbana bee, as well as generalist pollinators such as syrphid flies and butterflies. Hummingbirds are frequent visitors, attracted to the nectar-rich flowers during the plant’s blooming period from late spring to summer. Its ability to thrive in shaded, moisture-retentive soils makes it invaluable for restoring native understories and creating pollinator-friendly landscapes in riparian zones and shaded gardens.
 
As a woodland species, Oregon Figwort prefers moist, well-drained soils with a mix of organic matter. It is highly adaptable and will tolerate partial shade to full sun, provided it has consistent moisture. Seeds are not dormant and can be sown directly in fall or early spring. Germination occurs within weeks, and plants establish quickly, blooming in their second year. With its tall, sprawling growth habit, this figwort is excellent for naturalizing in woodland edges, supporting pollinators, and stabilizing soils in riparian zones.