Characteristics of the Scrophulariaceae (the figwort family):
• Growth form: Trees, shrubs, or herbs
• Leaves: Opposite or spiral, simple, without stipules
• Inflorescence: Spike, raceme, or thyrse
• Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical, superior ovary, 2 or sometimes 3 carpels, axile placentation
• Calyx: Fused sepals, 4-5
• Corolla: Fused petals, usually 5, often bilabiate, sometimes spurred
• Stamens: 2-5, sometimes with staminodes
• Fruit: Capsule, berry, or drupe
• Habitat: Terrestrial or aquatic
Link to Jepson eflora key
Link to video discussing both the Scrophulariaceae and the Plantaginaceae