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June 25, 2007 : Digitalis purpurea
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Keywords: Plantaginaceae | Digitalis purpurea L. | Stoneworld, Galiano Island, British Columbia, Canada
Three prominent vertical forms cover much of the land at Stoneworld on Galiano Island, BC: megaliths, stinging nettles and purple foxgloves. The latter two are clearly avoided by the sheep inhabiting the grounds, and with good reason; the stinging nettles, I assume, would cause blistering, whereas the foxglove is simply fatal.
The species is similarly poisonous to humans, though in low and measured doses it is used to treat heart failure. The Plants for a Future factsheet for Digitalis purpurea points out the need for extreme caution: “Great care should be exercised in the use of this plant, the therapeutic dose is very close to the lethal dose”. Not a plant to be trifled with! Wikipedia provides a good summary of Digitalis purpurea / Digitalis and the associated cardiac glycosides digitoxin and digoxin.
Despite its potential to poison, it remains a popular garden ornamental. An introduced plant to western and eastern North America (where it can be a common sight), I suspect its spread is due to escapees from home gardens. The species is native to much of Europe.
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at June 25, 2007 6:21 AM
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Posted by: maureen at June 25, 2007 9:21 AM
I couldn't help chuckling when I saw today's photo. Foxgloves grow like weeds in our corner of north-east Hampshire (sandy acid soils). But I agree they are beautiful. My wife did worry about the kids' safety with these all over the garden, but we settled on the default that life can never be risk-free, and Darwinian principles will determine whether the children survive. Besides, I collect Aconites as well! :)
But anyway, I have found the varieties of Digitalis fascinating. Even the variety of D. purpurea... I noted in this month's BBC Gardeners's World magazine, a new introduction with unusually up-turned flowers, D. p. 'Candy Mountain'. Seeds available from Thompson & Morgan, www.thompson-morgan.com.
Long live BPotD!
Posted by: Souren at June 25, 2007 1:25 PM
Thank you. I have planted a Foxglove, about two years ago in my raised flower bed. It never did flower, when I see how beautiful it is, I will try again next year. martensm
Posted by: martensm at June 25, 2007 6:46 PM
I love foxglove, I've grown it in my garden for several years now. Hummingbirds just love them. Aside from how pretty the flowers in this photo are I'm just drawn to the rocks, their texture and the moss just contrasts with the delicacy of the flowers so well.
Posted by: Noadi at June 26, 2007 6:37 AM
Who put the megaliths there?
Posted by: Michael F at June 26, 2007 7:20 AM
The megaliths were placed by the artist behind Stoneworld, Steve Ocsko. I believe he was one of the Sopron-UBC foresters: Hungarian refugees celebrate 50th anniversary of arrival at UBC.
Posted by: Daniel Mosquin 
at June 26, 2007 9:46 AM
The way the plants & rocks complement each other is memorable & beautiful. Leads one's thoughts away...
Posted by: juniper at June 27, 2007 3:29 AM
I found some digitalis growing along the side of a trail when we were camping in the Adirondacks. I saved some seeds, (half of the seeds I gather I never get to plant) Started them & planted the seedlings in my front beds. They grew so nicely & they reseed themselves every year. Quite enjoyable.
Posted by: Andy Simko at June 30, 2007 9:19 AM
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
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Digitalis is one of the very few plants we can grow in our gardens here in Montana, that the deer do not eat. A bonus is that it's so lovely to look at.