Water Betony, Water figwort

Scrophularia umbrosa

Physical Characteristics

Scrophularia umbrosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, wasps. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from S. Sweden to France, Palestine and Asia to Tibet.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[2, 105]. There must be some doubts about the edibility of this root[K].

Medicinal Uses

Detergent Eczema Vulnerary The leaves are detergent and vulnerary[4]. They are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use[4]. The plant has a good reputation as a wound herb, either applied externally as a poultice or taken as a decoction[4]. Water betony is said to have similar medicinal properties to the knotted figwort, S. nodosa[254]. These properties are as follows:- Knotted figwort is a plant that supports detoxification of the body and it may be used as a treatment for various kinds of skin disorders[254]. The whole plant is alterative, anodyne, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mildly purgative and stimulant[4, 9, 21, 165]. It is harvested as the plant comes into flower in the summer and can be dried for later use[4]. A decoction is applied externally to sprains, swellings, burns, inflammations etc, and is said to be useful in treating chronic skin diseases, scrofulous sores and gangrene[4, 254]. The leaves can also be applied fresh or be made into an ointment[4]. Internally, the plant is used in the treatment of chronic skin diseases (such as eczema, psoriasis and pruritis), mastitis, swollen lymph nodes and poor circulation[238]. It should not be prescribed for patients with heart conditions[238]. The root is anthelmintic[9].

Known Hazards

The plant is probably poisonous to cows[76].