Species library · Plants & herbs

Foxglove: deadly poisonous

Digitalis purpurea

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Foxglove is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from June to August in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges, Grassland. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Photo: (c) nbasargin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

When Foxglove appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Foxglove is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges, Grassland.

⚠ Look-alikes

Woolly foxglove☠ deadly
ComfreyComfrey☠ toxic
Great mullein

Look up Foxglove in the app

In the Forage app, Foxglove has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Foxglove: common questions

Is Foxglove poisonous?

Yes. Foxglove is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Foxglove appear?

Foxglove usually appears from June to August in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Foxglove grow?

Foxglove is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges, Grassland.

What can Foxglove be confused with?

Deadly look-alikes: Woolly foxglove, Comfrey, Great mullein. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits