The Red Fir Forest

Figwort Flowers

Scrophulariaceae Flowers in the Scrophulariaceae or Figwort Family are mostly herbs or small shrubs. There are around 4,000 species. The flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic, and often have brightly colored and conspicuous bracts. Sepals of a flower, considered as a group are called a calyx. A Figwort calyx is commonly deeply 4-5 lobed or cleft. Petals of a flower, considered as a group are called a corolla. A Figwort corolla is sympetalous, usually 4-5-lobed, sometimes 2-lipped, and sometimes forms a nectary spur, or sac.

Galea Sometimes the two-petal upper lip of a Figwort flower becomes enlarged and hooded. This helmet shaped projection is called a galea. A good example of this is the Elephant Head.

Seed Capsules A Figwort seed capsule inside the flower (superior), and has two parts, each with many small seeds. Flowers of the mint family have four little nutlets inside the calyx. To make sure you have a member of the figwort family you should look into the ovary to discover there are actually two chambers and each chamber contains numerous seeds.

Examples of Scrophulariaceae or Figworts at Echo Lake Camp

• Castilleja applegatei Fernald - Wavyleaf Paintbrush
• Collinsia parviflora - Blue-Eyed Mary
• Mimulus guttatus - Yellow Monkeyflower
• Mimulus lewisii - Lewis Monkeyflower
• Pedicularis groenlandica - Elephant Head
• Penstemon newberryi - Newberry's Beardtongue
• Penstemon procerus - Whorled Penstemon