Common foxglove(Digitalis purpurea)

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Also known as: Bloody Bells, Dragon's Mouth, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Thimbles, Fairy's Petticoat, Fox Finger, Lady's Fingers, Lion's Mouth, Lustmore, Thimble Flower, Witches' Bells, Witches' Thimble, Folks Glove, Purple foxglove, Virgin's glove

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a herbaceous flowering plant naturally found in forests, heaths, and mountain grasslands. Common foxglove produces clusters of purple to white tubular flowers, with numerous dark spots on the inner surface. They are very attractive and commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes.

In This Article
Care Tips Toxicity

Attributes of Common foxglove

Lifespan
Biennial, Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
60 cm to 2 m
Spread
10 cm to 50 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm to 4.5 cm
Flower Color
Pink Purple White Yellow Cream Red

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Images of Common foxglove

Common foxglove(Digitalis purpurea)

Quickly Identify Common foxglove

1
Large nodding flowers in 1-sided raceme, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long.
2
Distinctive bell-shaped corollas with white throats and purplish accents.
3
Rounded capsules, 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm), shedding textured brown seeds.
4
Basal rosette leaves, up to 1 foot (30 cm) long, with wooly underside.
5
Dramatic terminal raceme towering at 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) with large flowers.

Scientific Classification of Common foxglove

Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Lamiales
Family
Plantain
Genus
Foxgloves
Species
Common foxglove

Toxicity of Common foxglove

Is Common foxglove toxic to humans?

Every aspect of the common foxglove is highly toxic to humans if ingested, encompassing the flowers, leaves, roots, and stem. Poisoning symptoms may present as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, irregular or slow heartbeats, tremors, visual hallucinations, and seizures. Ingestion can lead to fatal consequences. Common foxglove is occasionally grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, with accidental consumption by children being the most probable cause of poisoning.

Is Common foxglove toxic to cat?

The common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) poses a significant toxicity risk to cats, with the potential to be fatal even with minimal ingestion. This plant harbors toxic compounds that may induce heart failure. The seeds contain the highest concentration of these harmful chemicals, but every part of the plant is deemed perilous, including the water from its vase, which can also become toxic. Early indicators of poisoning can include vomiting and muscle weakness, while more severe outcomes such as cardiac arrhythmia, coma, and death are possible consequences.

Is Common foxglove toxic to dog?

Although this stunning flower is frequently seen in gardens and floral arrangements, the common foxglove harbors potent toxins that have an impact on the heart; ingestion by your dog can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Every part of this plant is extremely toxic. Symptoms may encompass vomiting, tremors, weakness, seizures, and even collapse.

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WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.