Scrophulariaceae
There are 292 genera and about 4000 species in the Scrophulariaceae.
In such a large family you'll find many medicinal plants, among them
- Bacopa, water hyssop,
- Chelone, turtlehead,
- Digitalis, foxgloves (Toxic!),
- Euphrasia, eyebrights,
- Gratiola, hedge hyssop,
- Linaria, toadflaxes,
- Rehmannia, Chinese foxglove, used in TCM,
- Scrophularia, figworts,
- Verbascum, mulleins,
- Veronica, speedwells (including Veronica virginica (old: Leptandra virginica, Black root, Culver's root, Leptandra).
There are also half- and full parasites, among them
- Melampyrum, cow-wheats,
- Pedicularis, wood betonys, louseworts.
And gardeners will recognize Anthirrhinum, snapdragons, which include the spectacularly ornamental annuals.
Tight-lipped species of both Antirrhinums and Linarias can be made to open their jaws by pressing on the hinges of single plucked flowers. This is fascinating to both kids and playful adults, especially when accompanied by appropriate sound effects: "woof woof" for the smaller Linarias, and lionlike roars for the larger Antirrhinums.
Orobanche is sometimes found in its own family, Orobanchaceae.