Foxglove Seeds

Foxglove, another of our wildflowers that was taken into gardens just as it was found in the wild centuries ago, is famous for its beauty, but also because it is poisonous. Should not be planted with children around. (You'll be fine. Just don't chew on it!) This quality of the plant also led to its use in medicine which is very important. The “digitalis” well-known in treatment of heart conditions is derived from this species.

Even though it's from faraway England, the wild foxglove is beautifully established and very popular in our woodsy Pacific Northwest, in places like the Oswald State Park in Oregon. The photo above was taken there by nature photographer, Don Paulson.