Digitalis (Foxgloves)

plants · medicine · flowers

Stunning tall flowers. Digitalis plants grow tall spikes covered with tubular, spotted flowers that come in pink, purple, white, or yellow. They look like tiny gloves tucked onto a fox's paws, which is why people call them foxgloves.

About 20 species exist. The digitalis genus includes roughly 20 different species of plants, ranging from small herbs to bushy shrubs. They're found naturally in Europe and northwestern Africa but now grow in gardens all around the world.

Ancient heart medicine. For centuries, doctors used digitalis plants to help people with heart problems because the plant contains powerful compounds that affect the heart. Modern medicines are still made from digitalis, though they're carefully controlled because the plant can be toxic if used incorrectly.

Pollinator magnets. The bright, spotted flowers of digitalis attract bees and other insects that come to drink nectar and help the plant reproduce. The dark spots on the petals even act like landing guides for hungry bees.

Poisonous if eaten. All parts of digitalis plants are toxic to humans and animals, so they should never be eaten or handled carelessly. This is why it's important to grow them only in medicine or in gardens where children and pets cannot reach them.