Late Figwort

About Late Figwort

Late Figwort, also known as Carpenter's Square, is a tall, architectural native that serves as a vital bridge for pollinators as the summer season wanes. Reaching heights of up to 10 feet, this plant is easily identified by its deeply grooved square stems and large, ovate leaves. The flowers are small, cup-shaped, and a unique shade of maroon-brown, appearing in airy clusters from mid-summer into early autumn. A distinguishing feature is its dark purple sterile stamen. Despite their size, these blooms are legendary for their high nectar content, attracting hummingbirds and a wide variety of specialist bees. It is native to much of the Eastern and Central United States, typically found in rich, moist woodlands and thickets. Late Figwort prefers partial shade and fertile, loamy soil, though it can tolerate full sun if provided with consistent moisture. It is an excellent choice for naturalized areas or the back of a pollinator border where it can provide late-season sustenance for wildlife while remaining largely untouched by deer.