Scrophularia atrata
Black-flowered figwort
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Scrophulariaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Scrophularia atrata (Black-flowered figwort) is a native California herb in the Scrophulariaceae family, recognized by dark flowers and restricted habitat.
Black-flowered figwort is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the central coast region including Santa Barbara and southern San Luis Obispo counties in calcium- and diatom-rich soils at elevations below 400 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces dark red to nearly black flowers that appear dramatically inflated with a highly constricted mouth. Growing with tall, robust stems 100 to 150 centimeters in height, it develops a striking architectural form. Its leaves range from dark to light green, with larger blades measuring 6 to 9 centimeters long, featuring a broad, substantial shape. The plant's flower structure is particularly distinctive, with triangular-ovate green calyx lobes and a unique staminode with a triangular tip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; diagnostic dark flowers and restricted habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Calcium-, diatom-rich soils
Elevation: < 400 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Mono, Marin
Bloom period
Scrophularia atrata blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Blitum: Scrophularia has bilateral flowers with petals; Blitum has tiny flowers without petals.; vs Urtica: Scrophularia has showy bilateral flowers; Urtica has stinging hairs and tiny greenish flowers.; vs Stachys: Scrophularia has urn-shaped flowers in branched clusters; Stachys has flowers in dense whorled spikes.; vs Hesperocnide: Scrophularia has bilateral tubular flowers; Hesperocnide has tiny greenish flowers without petals.; vs Melissa: Scrophularia has greenish to dark red flowers; Melissa has white to pale pink flowers and lemon scent.
Frequently asked questions
Is Scrophularia atrata native to California?
Yes. Scrophularia atrata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Scrophularia atrata bloom?
Scrophularia atrata blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Scrophularia atrata grow?
Scrophularia atrata occurs in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Mono, Marin, at elevations of < 400 m.
What plant family does Scrophularia atrata belong to?
Scrophularia atrata is in the Scrophulariaceae family, genus Scrophularia.
Is Scrophularia atrata rare or endangered?
Scrophularia atrata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2?.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.