Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
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Description
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a biennial herbaceous plant known for its striking, tubular flowers that range in color from purple to pink, and occasionally white. Native to Europe, it thrives in woodland clearings, open meadows, and along hedgerows. In regenerative agriculture, foxglove plays a role in attracting pollinators, particularly bees, due to its abundant nectar production. It serves as a secondary canopy layer in food forests, providing vertical interest and supporting biodiversity. Historically, foxglove has been used in traditional medicine, though with caution due to its toxicity. It can be paired with plants like yarrow and comfrey in guilds to enhance soil health and support beneficial insect populations.
Growing Details
Foxglove thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching with leaf mold or straw helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as yarrow and comfrey can enhance soil health and attract beneficial insects. Avoid overcrowding to ensure good air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk. Harvest seeds when th
Tags
Attracts Wildlife
Bee Friendly
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Colouring
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Digitalis purpurea</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe
applicable geo region: Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 90 days
Harvest:
middle
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
beginning
of March
Transplant:
beginning
of May
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(5/5)
medicinal uses: Foxglove is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating heart conditions. The leaves contain cardiac glycosides, used to produce the drug digitalis, which helps regulate heart rate and improve the strength of heart contractions. Due to its potent nature, it must be used under strict medical supervision. Historically, it was used in folk medicine, but its use is now limited to controlled pharmaceutical applications.
health concerns: All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart failure. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation.
other uses: Foxglove can be used as a dye plant, producing a range of colors from yellow to brown.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Digitalis purpurea
common names: Foxglove; Common Foxglove; Purple Foxglove
family: Plantaginaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Digitalis
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.3 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: Medium
root type: Medium
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(7/10)
first harvest: 2 years
life span: 2 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 1.5 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Foxglove thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching with leaf mold or straw helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as yarrow and comfrey can enhance soil health and attract beneficial insects. Avoid overcrowding to ensure good air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk. Harvest seeds when th
Potential Disturbances: Foxglove is generally resilient but can occasionally face pressures from aphids, slugs, and fungal challenges like powdery mildew. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to manage aphid populations. Use copper barriers to deter slugs. Neem oil can be applied as an organic spray to manage fungal issues.
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