Digitalis purpurea

Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove or purple foxglove, is a highly toxic but visually striking herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. Native to most of Europe, it is characterized by its tall spikes of bell-shaped, tubular flowers that are typically purple, though they can also be pink, white, or yellow. The plant's name, Digitalis, is derived from the Latin word digitus, meaning "finger," referring to the ease with which a finger can be inserted into the flower's tubular shape. In Hebrew, the plant is known as דיגיטליס סגול (Digitalis Sagol). Other translations include fingerhut in German, gantelof in Dutch, and digitalis pourpre in French. Digitalis purpurea is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its use in the treatment of heart conditions, as it contains cardiac glycosides such as digoxin. However, it is also notorious for its toxicity, as all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. The plant thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, often found in woodlands and hedgerows. Its cultural significance includes its use in traditional medicine and its depiction in various forms of art and literature, symbolizing both beauty and danger.