Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

The scientific name digitalis means 'finger-like' and refers to the ease with which a flower of the foxglove can be fitted over a human fingertip. The flowers vary with species from purple to pink, white and yellow, but the common foxglove is the best-known digitalis. The entire plant including the roots and seeds is toxic and this resulted in sinister names for the plant like Dead Man's Bells or Witches' Gloves. The extract of digitalis is used to treat heart conditions in the medicine.