What is the Foxglove's Native Home?
- Foxglove was first classified in Germany by a Dr. Prior in 1542. The plant is native to Europe and may be found nearly everywhere there.
- Moist, rich soil with plenty of rotting organic matter and a pH of 6 to 7.5 is this plant's preference, making the edge of woodland environments a favorite foxglove home.
- Foxglove prefers a cool climate and is found in U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 3 to 9. In Zones 6 to 9, it grows in areas shaded from intense afternoon sun.
- Foxglove is considered a woodland plant. It requires at least some afternoon shade, and some species do best in full shade.
- Foxglove is poisonous and should not be grown where young children or pets might chew or eat the plant. The extract of foxglove leaves is used to make the heart medication digitalis, which slows the heart and strengthens contractions.