Contents
Description
Digitalis, commonly known as foxglove, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is a tall and elegant plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The plant produces tubular flowers that bloom in an array of colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various heart conditions. However, it is important to note that the plant is highly toxic and should not be consumed without medical supervision.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Digitalis |
Appearance
Digitalis is a tall plant that can grow up to six feet in height. Its leaves are large, broad, and hairy, and they can grow up to 12 inches in length. The plant produces tubular flowers that bloom in clusters on tall spikes. The flowers can be pink, purple, white, or yellow and have a spotted throat. Each flower can be up to two inches long and produces a capsule containing numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Digitalis is an easy plant to care for, provided that it is grown in the right conditions. Here are some care tips to keep your foxglove plant healthy:Water: Foxglove plants prefer well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot weather.Fertilization: Foxglove plants do not require much fertilizer. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring before the plant starts to grow.Soil: Foxglove plants prefer slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be well-draining and loose.Sunlight: Foxglove plants prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun. In hot climates, the plants may benefit from some afternoon shade.Hardiness Zones: Foxglove plants are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Digitalis is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy by following the care guide above. If pests or diseases do appear, treat them promptly with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Digitalis is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The plant prefers cool, moist climates and can be found growing in woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows. It has naturalized in many other parts of the world and can be found growing in gardens and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Digitalis poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are highly toxic and can cause serious illness or death if ingested.Q: Can Digitalis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Digitalis can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s extensive root system.Q: How often should I fertilize my Digitalis plant?
A: Digitalis plants do not require much fertilizer. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring before the plant starts to grow.Q: Can Digitalis be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Digitalis has been used for centuries to treat various heart conditions. However, it is important to note that the plant is highly toxic and should not be consumed without medical supervision.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Digitalis:
- Echinacea
- Lupinus
- Monarda
- Penstemon
References
- “Digitalis purpurea – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282395&isprofile=1&genus=Digitalis.
- “Digitalis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/5708/Digitalis/Details.
- “Digitalis purpurea.” Wikipedia. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitalis_purpurea.
