Scrophularia nodosa
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to Europe. On close inspection,
the hood-shaped flowers bear an unusual livid-purple lip. Considered
in olden times a specific for treating discharging abscesses (figs) which
were a singularly unpleasant symptom of TB of the lymph nodes, popularly
known as “The King’s Evil.” The tuberous root, which resembles on
close imagination a moonscape by Salvador Dali, was considered a strong
alterative. Cultivation: Extra care. The seed is very
small and must be sprinkled on the soil surface, pressed in and kept moist
by misting or bottom watering until the plants germinate in about 11 days.
Extremely vigorous grower. Transplant to permanent location at 2 foot spacing,
as the plants bush out rapidly and under the proper conditions (good, moist
soil, full sun or partial shade) will flower to 3 feet tall.
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