FOXGLOVE
Foxglove, digitalis
Digitalis purpurea—SCROPHULARIACEAE
Description: The foxglove is found wild in woodlands, along shady roadsides, and often is cultivated in gardens. During its first year of growth it forms clusters of leaves in a rosette pattern, but no flowers. The flowers develop on long erect stems early in summer during the second year. They are numerous showy white-lavender, or purple bell-shaped flowers which bloom for several weeks. The fruits are dry capsules with many tiny seeds.
Poisonous Parts: The leaves and seeds. These contain the digitalis glycosides, chiefly digitoxin, which is a powerful heart stimulant. Poisoning is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness and can be experienced several hours after ingesting the plant parts. The plant is severely poisonous and can cause heart failure because of its powerful action on the heart muscles.
Antidotes: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for digitoxin and digitalis glycoside poisoning.