Digitalis purpurea aka Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as the foxglove, is a species of flowering plant that is native to most of temperate Europe and has also naturalized in parts of North America and other temperate regions. This eye-catching plant can be a popular addition to gardens, with many cultivars available. However, it is important to note that foxgloves are among the most poisonous plants commonly grown in home landscapes, and should not be grown if small children or pets will be spending time in the area. Foxgloves are tall, slender plants with tubular blooms that range in color from purple to white. They are often freckled and form on a spike, with nodding flowers. Foxglove is a biennial plant that grows as a rosette of leaves in the first year after sowing, before flowering and then dying in the second year. However, it generally produces enough seeds for new plants to continue growing in a garden setting. The Digitalis genus includes about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and biennials commonly called foxgloves. The plant is the original source of the heart medicine digoxin (also called digitalis or digitalin). Foxglove prefers moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter and does best with afternoon shade. It is important to note that foxgloves are toxic and should not be ingested.