Warning

Seek urgent medical attention if any part is ingested.

Description

An annual or short-lived perennial with robust stems, cultivated mainly in temperate gardens.

The flowers are bell-shaped, pink to purple (rarely white) with spots inside the floral tube, and are crowded on a long stem at the top of the plant. Individual flowers are 4–6cm long hanging down on the stem.

The softly hairy leaves have a serrated margin, and prominent veins. The lower leaves are larger, with long stalks, while the upper leaves are smaller with shorter stalks.

Toxicity

  • Extremely toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, slow heart rate, tiredness and dizziness. Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation.

Images

Close-up of vibrant green leaves and a blooming purple foxglove flower
Photo by Mary Louden
Close-up of a vibrant purple foxglove flower in full bloom, showcasing intricate patterns and delicate petals
Photo by Mary Louden
Close-up of vibrant purple foxglove flowers in full bloom, showcasing their speckled patterns and bell-shaped petals, against a sunny outdoor backdrop.
Photo by Mary Louden

Details

Common name: Foxglove

Botanical nameDigitalis purpurea

Family: Scrophulariaceae

General description: An annual or short-lived perennial with robust stems, cultivated mainly in temperate gardens.

Flowers: The flowers are bell-shaped, pink to purple (rarely white) with spots inside the floral tube, and are crowded on a long stem at the top of the plant. Individual flowers are 4–6cm long hanging down on the stem.

Leaves: The softly hairy leaves have a serrated margin, and prominent veins. The lower leaves are larger, with long stalks, while the upper leaves are smaller with shorter stalks.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit are capsules containing numerous tiny seeds.

Other: The sap is clear.

Last updated: November 2024