Leaf type: Ovate, ovate-lanceolate, narrow-lanceolate
Leaf margin: Crenate
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green
Life cycle: Biennial herbaceous plant
Leaf (upper side)
Leaf (under side)
Habitus & biology
Digitalis purpurea grows as a biennial and sometimes as a perennial. The plant, which is highly poisonous in all parts, grows to a height of between 50 and 150 centimeters.
The basal leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate in shape, while the upper leaves are much narrower.
Distribution & habitates
The original distribution area is in Central Europe, Northern Europe, Western Europe and North Africa. Digitalis purpurea also occurs as a neophyte in North America, South America, western Asia and New Zealand (source).
It colonizes forests, forest edges, forest paths, forest clearings and scrub edges. Despite its toxicity, foxglove is also popular as a garden plant.
Botany
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) belongs to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) and is also known as common foxglove.
