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rusty foxglove

Scientific Name: Digitalis ferruginea

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Digitalis ferruginea: Rusty Foxglove

Digitalis ferruginea, commonly known as the Rusty Foxglove, is an eye-catching biennial or short-lived perennial that adds striking color and architectural height to gardens.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that all parts of the plant are poisonous.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that all parts of the plant are poisonous.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Digitalis ferruginea L.
  • Common Name: Rusty Foxglove
  • Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
  • Genus: Digitalis
  • Synonym: D. aurea

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the northern Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, The Balkans, Lebanon, Caucasus, Hungary, and Turkey.
  • Also found on Krk Island (off the Yugoslavian coastline).
  • Grows wild in woods.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Biennial or short-lived perennial.
  • First year: rosette of dark green, semi-evergreen foliage with a slightly crinkled texture.
  • Second year: grows to 4 feet with dramatic flower stalks. Some varieties may reach 6 feet and require staking.
  • Flowers are almost globular, rusty reddish-yellow, or honey-brown, arranged in long, leafy spikes.
  • Linear, dark-green leaves.
  • Forms a large rosette at the base.

Cultivation

  • Easy addition to any garden, perfect for cottage-style borders.
  • Rusty Foxglove grows well in part shade and is not too picky about the soil.
  • Seeds need light to germinate.
  • Self-seeds freely under favorable growing conditions.
  • Good cut flower.

Quirky Facts

  • The species name "ferruginea" is derived from the Latin "ferrum," meaning iron, hence the common name "Rusty Foxglove."
  • The text includes a quote referencing a "drunken bee" and foxgloves in a whimsical context.