Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
Type: Biennial
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular / Drought tolerant

This native flower of the Pacific Northwest (and much of the rest of temperate North America) is a familiar harbinger of summer. In the first year of its life, the foxglove sends down roots and establishes a rosette of fuzzy dark green leaves. In its second season, a 3-5ft (0.9-1.5m) spike of nodding tubular flowers form to open in early summer and last for about a month (this is what makes it a “biennial”). These flowers typically range in color from white through cream, pink and purple, always with speckling in their throats, and are attractive to hummingbirds. Although the individual plant dies after flowering, it self-sows so readily that nobody seems to notice. Other cultivars and hybrids offering other colored flowers are also available. Also, deer tend to leave these alone.

While a source of a very beneficial yet powerful cardiac drug (digitalis), all parts of the plant is poisonous. So friends, again I ask you to resist the urge to eat your landscaping.

Cheers,

John