Two years ago, I scattered wildflower seeds, part sun/part shade mix, on a hill facing east. Ferns were already established there, and saplings, which have no problem sprouting amongst the old bark, roots, and rotting trunks left behind from their elders.
Last summer, I did not notice or recognize any new plants coming up. Unbeknownst to me, the Foxglove first-year was there, known as “rosette Leaves.”
A few weeks ago, I was surprised to see a 4-foot spike of Foxglove standing tall, with a cluster of white, tapered, tubular flowers with purple spots inside. I have since learned that the Dalmatian variety blooms in its first year and grows only 16 to 20 inches. So I think I must have the Candy White, which blooms in the second year and reaches four feet.
Foxglove has a long history in folklore, mythology, art, literature, and medicine.
I have a copy of the book The Diary of the Elizabethan Lady by Elizabeth Holden, who illustrated the month of June in 1905 with white trailing roses and purple-belled Foxglove. If anyone loves gardening, I highly recommend this book.
The name Foxglove comes with imaginative meanings. For example, in Nordic mythology, a fox would ring the “bells” to warn other foxes of hunters. These flowers come in various colors, also have Christian meanings, and were used as illustrations in illuminated manuscripts.
Another explanation for the flower’s name may be that foxes put the petals on their paws to keep them dry in the dew. However, I rather enjoy the thought that fairies used them for caps upon their heads!
This toxic plant conjures up uses in medieval European witchcraft, but one fact is certain: it has been used in medical treatment. Historically, thought to be a treatment for the healing of mental illness. It has been speculated to have been given to Van Gogh for epileptic seizures. Art historians have questioned his brilliant use of color, especially his use of yellow, which has been associated with Digitalis derived from Foxglove.
In Jeff Aronson’s article in New Scientist, he writes, “The effects of foxglove would have been known to Van Gogh’s doctors, including Dr. Gachet, it’s likely he [Van Gogh] was treated with digitalis.” Van Gogh’s portrait of Dr. Gachet depicts Gachet sitting at a table with purple foxglove blossoms.
Cardiac glycosides come from Foxglove (Digitalis) and are used in modern medicine to treat heart problems. Modern medicine will clarify that Digitalis would not have been a good medicine for Van Gogh’s mental health issues, but as early as the 16th century, it was discovered to benefit the heart.
Today, the more refined heart medicine is called Digoxin, which is still plant-derived.
Although this plant comes with a warning to wear gloves, do not ingest and use caution when handling it. It does not harm the bees, as they rest on the platform of the lower lobe, where they are welcomed inside and gather all the delicious nectar.
Do you have Foxglove in your garden? What do you enjoy about this flower? Please feel free to leave your comments below.
