Directory of Herbs F oxglove Digitalis purpurea Scrophulariaceae family Language and mythology Native to western and central Europe and the British Isles. It is said that Vincent van Gogh took digitalis for epilepsy, and that the yellow vision this drug creates may have influenced his art. They hgave 4 stamens, a 5 pointed calyx and are borne on one side of a spike. They are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, toothed, wrinkled, hairy, deep green and conspicuously veined.
Lower leaves have long stalks.
Cultivation Sow seed as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring or start indoors. Plants need good drainage. Sow seed the year before the plant is expected to flower. Remove the central spike flower to increases side shoots. Propagation method Seed, division.