Foxglove secures a unique place in the category of popular flowers. However, strangely enough, the blooms of this summer flower are highly poisonous and are devoid of any fragrance. Despite its toxicity this popular flower is known by catchy nicknames such as ‘Bee Catcher’ and ‘Pop-ladders’.

According to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, this flower has derived its name from the Old English name “foxes glova”. The Latin name of this perennial herb is ‘digitalis’ which means ‘finger’. According to folklore, it is believed that the foxes received these flowers from the fairies so that they could cover their claws – giving rise to the name ‘foxglove’. Wearing a foxglove, they could move stealthily and quietly while raiding chicken coops and the foxglove would prevent them from getting caught. Its not surprising, therefore, that the foxglove has come to symbolize insincerity.

However, it has some redeeming features since it flowers are especially beautiful, appearing in the shape of bells and generally clustering on a single spike. Foxglove plants are classified as biennials and the flowers are available in a variety of colours like white, purple, lavender, yellow and some pretty shades of pink. These flowers are extensively used for landscaping. Since ancient times, expert herbalists have used this flower to prepare medicine. Even today, the dried leaves of the foxglove are used to produce an effective cardiovascular medicine.

The foxglove plant is native to Europe, North West Africa and Central Asia and it grows well in partial shades. A well drained, acidic soil, rich in humus is best suited for the plant.