UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Water Wise Plants

Scrophularia californica

Pronunciation
skrof-ew-LAH-ree-uh kal-i-FOR-ni-kuh
Common Name
California Bee Plant
Plant Type
Perennial
Mature Size
6 - 12 in (15 - 30cm) wide x 2 - 4 ft (0.6 - 1.2 m) tall
Water Requirements
Low: water every three weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements
Half sun
Wildlife
  • Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Deer resistant
  • Hummingbirds
  • Other birds
Flower Color
Red
Maintenance- Design- Planting Tips

Scrophularia californica from Wikimedia.org public domain
Scrophularia californica is a flowering plant in the figwort family which is known by the common names California figwort and California bee plant. This perennial herb is native to the western United States and British Columbia. This unassuming plant grows triangular, toothed, blue-green leaves in pairs opposite each other on a spindly, squared stem. The brownish-magenta flowers are rounded, hollow buds about a centimeter long with two long upper lobes. This species is a strong bee attractant.

Where to See
  • Not currently planted

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