Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Origin: Western Europe and Morocco

Tall Spike Flower
Biennial

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Toxic to pets

People: not researched yet.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA: toxic principle is cardiac glycosides, the same class of compound behind the medical drug digoxin. Clinical signs: cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and death. NC State Extension independently confirms all plant parts are highly poisonous, listing the same clinical picture. This is one of the most seriously toxic plants in PlotAndPetal: keep pets and children away from all parts of the plant, fresh or dried, and don't compost cuttings where animals might access them.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 4a - 9b (NC State Extension)
Mature size: Space plants 12 in to 3 ft apart; flower spikes rise well above the basal foliage rosette.
Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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