©Richard Burkmarr


©Richard Burkmarr


Scientific name: Digitalis purpurea
The Foxglove is a familiar, tall plant, with pink flower spikes and a deadly nature. In summer, it can be spotted in woodlands and gardens, and on moorlands, roadside verges and waste grounds.

Species information


Height: up to 1.5m

Conservation status


When to see

June to September


The charismatic, pink flower spikes of the Foxglove are famous as both a reminder of the hazy days of summer and of its deadly poisonous nature. Ingestion of any parts of the plant can result in nausea, headaches and diarrhoea, or even heart and kidney problems. The high flower stems are only produced in the plant's second year, and can be seen between June and September. Foxgloves can be found in woodlands and gardens, and on moorlands, coastal cliffs, roadside verges and waste ground.
Like many of our native plants, they are an excellent source of nectar for bumblebees, moths and Honeybees.

How to identify

Foxgloves have large, flat leaves that form the base of the plant, and tall, upright flower spikes. Its distinctive, tube-shaped, magenta flowers are arranged around the stem and open in sequence from the bottom up.



Did you know?

The Latin name, Digitalis, means 'finger-like' and refers to the tubular flowers of the Foxglove. It is also the name of the drug that comes from the toxins of Foxgloves and is prescribed for heart conditions.

How people can help
