Among the common names for this plant are Eastern, Carpenter’s, or Late figwort. It is native to the central and eastern U.S. and Ontario and Quebec. It likes moist well-drained soil and will grow in full sun to part shade.The name refers to its traditional use to treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck, called "scrofula".

It is a tall plant with lots of small flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. It is called Late figwort because it blooms later than others in its family, from July to September.

Because this plants blooming time is staggered, the seed pods maturing and opening are also staggered. Some seed pods are ready while the plant is still blooming. This means that this plant is not an ideal candidate for organza bags. Putting the organza bags on before the plant is done blooming means not allowing the pollinators access to the last bits of nectar. You decide what works best for you. You will see that seed pods have started to split open. These are ready to harvest. You can use your fingernail to snip the pod off the stem; then split the pod into two by inserting the fingernail into the split. Care must be taken when removing the pods from the plant because you can break the entire stem holding all the seed pods. Let the seed/pod mix sit to dry out for a week or two, then put the mixture into a closed container and shake. This should remove the seeds from the pod halves. Then pour your mixture through a strainer.