The foxglove (Digitalis) is cultivated in many gardens because of its impressive appearance with large bell-shaped flowers. However, the plant often spreads and then grows in less suitable places, for example in the vegetable patch.
Do I have to do something about foxglove in the vegetable patch?
Since just two to three accidentally consumed leaves of thepoisonous foxglove(digitalis) can be fatal, it isadvisable tothe perennialsremove from the bed. This ensures that you cannot confuse them with other plants.
What crops does foxglove resemble?
The foxglove looks similar to themedicinal plantpopularcomfreyforconfusion. Both perennials have similar growth and hairy leaves.
However, the leaves of the comfrey are smooth-edged and coarsely hairy, while the foxglove has finely toothed, softly hairy foliage that is gray and felty on the underside. If you crush the leaves of the comfrey, they smell aromatic of cucumber.
If you are not sure which plant it is, you should refrain from tasting it because of the poisonous nature of the foxglove.
How can I remove the foxglove from the vegetable patch?
The easiest way is to dig up theFoxgloves withtheir longtaproot. This also prevents the biennials from starting to bloom and form seeds that can germinate in the vegetable patch.
If you want to prevent foxgloves from establishing themselves unintentionally, you should cut back the dead flower stalks in the garden as soon as possible. Foxgloves like to eviscerate themselves and then reappear in random places.
Important: Due to the toxicity of the plant, you should wear gloves when carrying out any work.
Does foxglove poison spread to other plants?
Since thetoxinsof the foxgloveare not released into the environment, you do not have to worry that nearby plants will become inedible. You can also compost the dug up plants without hesitation, as the poison is neutralized in the rot.
Tip
Foxglove flowers: swarmed by bumblebees
When the foxglove is in full bloom, you can observe countless bumblebees on the plant. The thick burrowers manage to effortlessly work their way through the vertical barrier hairs in the flower, which represent an insurmountable obstacle for smaller insects. On the way to the sweet food, the bumblebees touch the stamens on the upper wall and ensure fertilization.
