Digitalis purpurea

Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as the foxglove or common foxglove, is a species of flowering plant in the plantaginaceae family. It is native to western and southwestern Europe, western and central Asia, and northwestern Africa. The plant is well known for its toxic effects and its use in medicine.

Description

Digitalis purpurea is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant. The leaves are spirally arranged, simple, 10–35 cm long and 5–12 cm broad, and are covered with gray-white pubescent and glandular hairs. The flowers are produced on a tall spike, are tubular, 2–3 cm long, with a broad, two-lipped mouth, and are pink to purple, with darker spots inside.

Distribution and habitat

Digitalis purpurea is native to a wide region of Europe from the western Mediterranean to Scandinavia. It is commonly found on sites where the ground has been disturbed, such as recently cleared woodland, or where trees have fallen.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic, and can be fatal if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, specifically digitalin, digitoxin, and digoxin, which are used in treating heart conditions.

Medicinal use

The use of Digitalis purpurea in treating heart conditions was first described by William Withering in 1785. The plant's cardiac glycosides increase the force of heart muscle contractions and slow the heart rate, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Cultivation

Digitalis purpurea is easily grown from seed, and is now naturalized in many parts of the world, including the United States and Canada. It is a popular ornamental plant for gardens, due to its large, bell-shaped flowers.

See also

• Digitalis
• Cardiac glycoside
• William Withering

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