Foxglove

Purple Foxglove

White Foxglove

Foxglove (Witch’s Thimble) Digitalis purpurea

Figwort family. Biennial wild herb to 6’ high. Natural. Grow all over our yard.
Stems: stout,
Leaves: soft and hairy
Flowers: in long inflorescences, tubular, purple to white, with purple spots inside the throat, drooping from one side of the stem. Blooms in late June.
Ancient Druids thought the flower was shaped like a priestly mitre.
Use: Source of the drug digitalis, a heart stimulant, diuretic.
In Northern Wales a dye from the leaves is used to colour stonework.
Poison if taken too liberally.
Means: insincerity