The Blood Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea L.
Scientific name:
Digitalis purpurea L.
Common name:
Common Foxglove
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Biological form:
Emicriptofita scaposa

Characteristics

Habit: Herbaceous plant 30–160 cm tall. Leaves form a basal rosette in the first year; in the second, alternate stem leaves develop. Flowers: Long one-sided racemes with 30–100 pendulous tubular flowers, usually pink-purple with spotted interiors. Fruits: Pubescent capsules containing many seeds. Flowering: May–July.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Western European/Mediterranean. Distribution in Italy: Common in central-northern mountains, rarer southwards. Habitat: Acid soils, woodland clearings and heathlands, 200–1600 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Digitalis): From Latin digitus (finger). Specific name (purpurea): Refers to purple coloration.

Uses and properties

Extremely toxic plant, historically used in cardiology.

Curiosities

Associated with art and literature, including Van Gogh and Pascoli.