Facts

Here are some interesting facts that make Digitalis Purpurea unique.

• There are several different explanations that could give reason to how the common foxglove got its name. One of the main ones however is about the shape of the blossom. The flower of the common foxglove looks similar to gloved finger. Additionally, the name foxglove is supposed to be an allusion to a fox's white paws.
• Before the common foxglove was used to treat and fix heart problems, the Irish saw a different use for it. The used it as folk medicine. They saw it as a healing herb used to treat a variety of skin problems such as boils, ulcers, and also headaches and paralysis.
• During the early stages, the plant can sometimes be mistaken as Comfrey or Plantain. Making this mistake can be very dangerous and deadly if you try to make herbal tea with the common foxglove.
• During its whole lifetime, the common foxglove can produce up to two million seeds.
• It has been said that somehow animals know that every part of the foxglove is poisonous, because the tend to avoid the plants, and there are rarely any reports of animals, like common pets, ingesting it.
• There are hybrid strains of the common foxglove, which are commonly used commercially in gardens. These hybrids come in many different colors like white, cream, shades of pink and and purple, yellow, and deep violet.
• Foxgloves are biennial meaning that they take two years to complete their lifestyle. During the first year, their leaves form and they store up food. Then during the second year, the plant blooms and sets seeds.

To learn more where I got my information from regarding Digitalis purpurea go here References.