The Rust-Coloured Foxglove

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

Characteristics

Habit: Perennial herb 40–100 cm tall. Leaves lanceolate, large at the base (up to 20 cm), with marked veins and slight pubescence; upper leaves reduced to bracts. Flowers: Dense racemes of tubular yellow-ochre flowers with reddish-brown veins; lower lobe very protruding and hairy inside. Fruits: Beaked capsules containing numerous small seeds. Flowering: June–August.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Northeastern Mediterranean orophyte. Distribution in Italy: Common in southern mountains and eastern regions. Habitat: Woodlands, clearings and degraded pastures between 500 and 1700 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Digitalis): From Latin digitus (finger), referring to the corolla shape. Specific name (ferruginea): Refers to rust-coloured veins.

Uses and properties

Highly toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides; used only in controlled medicine.