Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Foxglove |
| Also Known As | Common Foxglove |
| Scientific Name | Digitalis purpurea |
| Main Color | Magenta |
| Plant Type |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Native |
| Flowering | Jun - Sep |
| Image | Digitalis-003 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Abbots Langley |
| Country Found | UK |
Flower Details
Description
A tall, striking biennial with tubular, purple to pink flowers arranged in dramatic spikes. It is often found in woodland clearings, roadsides, and gardens, admired for its ornamental beauty.
Distribution
Native to western Europe, including the UK, and widely naturalised elsewhere. Common in meadows, hedgerows, and forest margins.
Medicinal/Other Uses
Foxglove is the original source of digitalis glycosides (digoxin, digitoxin), powerful compounds used in modern medicine for treating heart failure and arrhythmias. However, the plant itself is extremely poisonous if ingested.
Edibility
Not edible — ingestion can be fatal.
Human Toxicity
Highly_Toxic
Highly toxic to humans and pets. Even small amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, slowed or irregular heartbeat, and death. Handle with care, wear gloves if gardening.
Pet Toxicity
Extremely dangerous to cats and dogs — even minimal ingestion may be fatal.
Active Compounds
Digitalis glycosides (digoxin, digitoxin, ouabain-like compounds).
Quality Issue
Action: Enhanced. Foxglove itself is sharp, but brickwork, window frame and curtain dominate the background.