Foxglove, another of our wildflowers that was taken into gardens just as it was found in the wild centuries ago, is famous for its beauty, but also because it is poisonous. Should not be planted with children around. (You'll be fine. Just don't chew on it!) This quality of the plant also led to its use in medicine which is very important. The “digitalis” well-known in treatment of heart conditions is derived from this species.
Even though it's from faraway England, the wild foxglove is beautifully established and very popular in our woodsy Pacific Northwest, in places like the Oswald State Park in Oregon. The photo above was taken there by nature photographer, Don Paulson.
No. of seeds per lb: 4,535,923
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Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea
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Type: Biennial. Has two-year life cycle. Grows onlyleaves first season from seed. Then in second season, blooms, seeds and dies with first frost.
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Flower: Tall spike hung with tubular flowers
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Sun/Shade: Full sun to shade.
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Soil Preferences: Prefers rich woodsy soil, but is adaptable
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Moisture Requirements: Average to Wet, but well-drained
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Indigenous To: Europe, naturalized in US Pacific Northwest
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