[Illustration: Foxglove, digitalis
_Digitalis purpurea--SCROPHULARIACEAE_]
=Description=: The foxglove is found wild in woodlands, along shady
roadsides, and often is cultivated in gardens. During its first year
of growth it forms clusters of leaves in a rosette pattern, but no
flowers. The flowers develop on long erect stems early in summer during
the second year. They are numerous showy white-lavender, or purple
bell-shaped flowers which bloom for several weeks. The fruits are dry
capsules with many tiny seeds.
=Poisonous Parts=: The leaves and seeds. These contain the digitalis
glycosides, chiefly =digitoxin=, which is a powerful heart stimulant.
Poisoning is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness and can
be experienced several hours after ingesting the plant parts. The
plant is severely poisonous and can cause heart failure because of its
powerful action on the heart muscles.
=Antidotes=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform
gastric lavage and treat for =digitoxin= and digitalis glycoside
poisoning.