Travel Theme: Foxglove Blossoms

Foxglove bears tall, spikes of tubular flowers with speckled throats. Foxglove blooms in midsummer but we found these in mid spring at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.

Foxglove’s low-growing foliage is topped by 2- to 5-foot-tall flower spikes, depending on the variety. Foxgloves are short-lived perennials, usually only lasting two growing seasons. However, foxglove plants often reseed themselves.

Foxglove leaves contain digitalis, a potent heart medicine, and are considered poisonous. Foxglove poisoning usually occurs from sucking the flowers or eating the seeds, stems, or leaves of the foxglove plant.

Poisoning may also occur from taking more than the recommended amounts of medicines made from foxglove.

The Foxglove is a favorite flower of the honey-bee, and is entirely developed by the visits of this insect.

To see more of my pictures from Longwood Gardens click here.

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