Buerger's Figwort
Scrophularia buergeriana
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Scrophularia buergeriana is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in leaf from August to September, in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Grassy areas in lowlands. Lower mountain slopes and wet grassland at elevations of 200 - 1100 metres in Hebei, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning and Shandong Provinces of China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is antiinflammatory, antipyretic, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive and vasodilator. It is used in Korea in the treatment of erysipelas, scrofula, goitre and phlegm.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors in many areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most moist to wet soils in full sun or partial shade.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist