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Digitalis purpurea Foxglove (1 Page of 5) The Digitalis purpurea plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Foxglove. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Digitalis purpurea Common Name: Foxglove Family: Scrophulariaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are highly poisonous[9, 10, 19, 65, 76, 222]. Mature Height: 1.2 Mature Width: 0.6 Habitat: Acid soils in woods, heaths, mountain grasslands etc[9, 17].
Cultivation Notes: Easily grown in ordinary garden soil, especially if it is rich in organic matter[1]. Prefers a light dry soil in semi-shade[17] but succeeds in full sun if the soil is moist[200]. Grows well in acid soils[17].
Plants are hardy to about -25°c[187].
The foxglove is a very ornamental plant that is easily naturalized in the semi-shade of a woodland[1]. It contains glycosides and forms the basis of an important heart medicine for which it is cultivated commercially[4]. This species is commonly used by herbalists, whereas D. lanata is more commonly grown for supplying the pharmaceutical industry[238]. The plant contains much greater concentrations of the medically active ingredients when it is grown in a sunny position[115].
The flowers are very attractive to bees[4, 24]. Individual plants can produce up to 2 million seeds[4].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].
A good companion plant, it stimulates the growth of nearby plants, growing well with pine trees[18, 20, 54].
For further Digitalis purpurea gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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