The Woolly Foxglove, Digitalis lanata (syn. D. lamarckii), is also sometimes called the Grecian foxglove. It is an important herb, the source of the heart drug Digoxin. It is closely related to the common foxglove.
Woolly foxgloves are native to Eastern Europe, but are sometimes used as ornamentals. The plant is a biennial or shortlived perennial which reaches a height of 3 feet (1m). It is not fussy as to soil, and will grow anywhere not in full shade, though a humus-rich soil is preferred.
Like its prettier sibling. the woolly foxglove is extremely poisonous, so although it has many potential uses in the herbal medicine cabinet, it is only suitable for use by trained practitioners, and even they may be reluctant to use it, as the effective dose is not far off a fatal one.
If you want to grow this as an ornamental or conversation piece, you can grow it in the same way as the common foxglove. To find out more about growing organic foxgloves visit the Gardenzone.
Related Posts
Foxglove
Wormwood
BloodrootRelated posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.