Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
Family: Plantaginaceae · Also called Fairy Gloves, Dead Man's Bells, Witches' Gloves
Green & Fresh · Spring–Summer bloomer
The foxglove is the gothic cathedral of the flower world, tall, soaring spires of pendant, bell-shaped blooms covered inside with intricate spots that guide bees deep into the throat. Each spike can carry 20-80 individual flowers, opening sequentially from bottom to top over several weeks. The effect in a shaded woodland garden is nothing short of magical.
ambition, creativity, magic, insincerity
In the Victorian language of flowers, foxglove means “A wish and ambition”. The name 'foxglove' may come from 'folk's glove', the folk being fairies. In Irish legend, fairies gave the flowers to foxes to wear as gloves, silencing their footsteps while hunting. Foxglove gave us digitalis, one of the most important heart medications in history, discovered by William Withering in 1785.
Did You Know?
Foxglove contains digitalis, a powerful cardiac glycoside still used in medicine today. William Withering learned of its heart-healing properties from a folk herbalist in 1775 and published his findings in 1785. The entire plant is highly toxic, even the water in a vase of foxgloves can be dangerous.
Woodland clearings, hedgerows, and acidic hillsides across western Europe
Foxglove is native to Europe. It naturally grows in woodland clearings, hedgerows, and acidic hillsides across western europe.
Scent Profile
“A faint, green-herbal scent, foxgloves are architectural rather than fragrant, designed to lure bees into their spotted throats.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameDigitalis purpurea
- FamilyPlantaginaceae
- Native ToEurope
- Bloom SeasonSpring–Summer
- LifespanBiennial
Cultural Significance
The name 'foxglove' may come from 'folk's glove', the folk being fairies. In Irish legend, fairies gave the flowers to foxes to wear as gloves, silencing their footsteps while hunting. Foxglove gave us digitalis, one of the most important heart medications in history, discovered by William Withering in 1785.