Grecian foxglove

plant

Also known as: Digitalis lanata

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Grecian foxglove (Digitalis lanata) is a species of herbaceous plant native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and the Canary Islands. It is cultivated for its attractive flower spikes and is a source of the heart-stimulating drug digitalis. All parts of the foxglove plant are toxic if ingested due to the presence of cardiac glycosides.1

Foxgloves typically grow between 45 to 150 cm (18 to 60 inches) tall and have bell-shaped flowers that can be purple, yellow, or white, often with spots inside. Most species are biennials, flowering in their second year before dying. The drug digitalis, derived from the dried leaves of foxglove, is used in medicine to strengthen heart muscle contractions, particularly for conditions like congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.12

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foxglove
Major species and uses
Both common foxglove and Grecian foxglove (D. lanata) are cultivated commercially as the source of the heart-stimulating drug digitalis. The drug is obtained from the dried leaves.
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Both common foxglove and Grecian foxglove (D. lanata) are cultivated commercially as the source of the heart-stimulating drug digitalis. The drug is obtained from the dried leaves.
Read More