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Scrophulariaceae
Scrophularia macrantha
New Mexican Figwort, Redbirds-in-a-Tree
Small red flowers that look like odd bulbous birds decorate the branches of redbirds-in-a-tree from summer through fall. This moderately hardy perennial is a rare high altitude plant endemic to the mountains of New Mexico. It is most commonly found growing on rocky north-facing slopes or cliffs in piñon-juniper or other gymnosperm communities. On occasion it can be found growing at the base of canyons.
The tall, shrubby plants have upright stems lined with thin dark green waxy leaves that are broadly lanceolate to ovate with serrated edges. The leaves are opposite or whorled in arrangement. Upright branched panicles of flowers appear in summer. The bulbous tubular flowers are quite small but look striking clustered together. Each bright red bloom has a little white lip. Hummingbirds are the chief pollinators of redbirds-in-a-tree and will seek them out from afar.
Provide this rare western native with full to partial sun and a site with very well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant once established. Plants may require staking. They are ideal for naturalistic western plantings and butterfly gardens. Cut back old spent flower stems to encourage new to be produced.
9 - 1
5 - 9
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
Southwestern United States
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Upright/Erect
Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Red, Crimson
Bicolor
Brown
Dark Green
No
Single
Yes
Medium
Matte
Alpine, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Hummingbirds
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