Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Foxglove
MainColor	Magenta
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Native
Season	June
ImageUrl	Digitalis-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Highly_Toxic

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 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).