The term foxglove was first written in 1542 by a German botanist named Leonhard Fuchs. However, despite being documented, the word’s origins are not very clear. There is a possibility that it comes from an Anglo-Saxon word that referred to a fox’s glove. Alternatively, some believe that “fox” was meant to be “folks,” or that it has German roots. In any case, there are numerous hypotheses, and it is better left to etymologists to decipher.
What we do know is that Foxglove is of European, North Western African, and Asian origins. It has a long history of being used medicinally for everything from wounds to heart ailments. Actually, the heart medication Digitalis was extracted from the plant and is thought to first have been described in English around 1785 by William Withering who did extensive studying of foxglove. For the most part these days it’s mostly used as an ornamental plant and a favorite for cottage gardens.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
All parts of the foxglove are highly poisonous.
In San Francisco during the 1990s a family of 8 were indicted in what was called the Foxglove Murders. They were accused of scamming senior citizens and then murdering them by lacing their food and drinks with the heart medicine digitalis derived from the foxglove plant. Yeah, it sounds like an Agatha Christie story to me too.
Foxglove was at some point used to treat epilepsy and was known to cause yellowing and halo effects in vision. It’s speculated Vincent Van Gogh was treated with it.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Latin: Digitalis
- Perennial/biennial in most zones
- Full sun/can tolerate part sun
- Stratification: Yes
- Height: Dwarf 24-36 in., Tall 4-6 ft
- Germination in 15-25 days at 65F
Direct sow outdoors in Fall/Winter/Early Spring. Plant on weed-free soil 4-10 weeks before your area’s last frost. Press seeds into the dirt but don’t cover them as they need light to germinate. For Spring planting refrigerate seeds placed in ziplock with slightly moist sand for at least 4-10 weeks before planting. You may need to take extra steps to increase germination. If planted in Spring or Summer the flowers won’t bloom until the following year. See Stratification & Germination: A Lame Kind of Witchcraft
Tip: The taller varieties may become top-heavy and require support.
All parts of this plant including seeds are highly toxic. Please take special care with children and pets.
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