Firebird Foxglove Digitalis × valinii 'Firebird'

Names

• Family

  Plantaginaceae

• Synonyms

  Firebird Foxglove

• Common names

  Digitalis × valinii 'Firebird'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant known as Foxglove (Digitalis × valinii 'Firebird') is highly toxic to humans if ingested. The toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides, particularly digoxin and digitoxin, can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, blurred vision, changes in color vision, and abnormal heart rhythms. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure and death. Immediate medical attention is required if ingestion is suspected.

• To pets

  The Foxglove (Digitalis × valinii 'Firebird') is also toxic to pets. The cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin and digitoxin found within the plant, can lead to severe poisoning in animals if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, collapse, and potentially death. Due to its high toxicity, any ingestion by pets warrants urgent veterinary care.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Semi-deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Red-orange

• Height

  3 feet (0.91 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Hybrid

General Benefits

• Attracts pollinators: The Digitalis 'Firebird' is known for its tubular flowers which are attractive to bees and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
• Ornamental value: With its striking flowers and tall, spiky form, it adds vertical interest and a splash of color to borders and beds.
• Easy to grow: It is relatively easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
• Long flowering period: The plant blooms from late spring to early fall, offering a long season of visual interest.
• Cottage garden staple: Its traditional aesthetic makes it a perfect fit for cottage-style gardens.
• Wildlife friendly: Aside from pollinators, it can also provide a food source and habitat for certain bird species.
• Hardy plant: It is resilient to various weather conditions once established, making it a suitable choice for many climates.
• Drought-tolerant: Once established, it is fairly tolerant to dry conditions, reducing the need for regular watering.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Digitalis 'Firebird' can be used as a natural dye, producing shades of yellow, green, or brown depending on the mordant used.
• The tall and striking flower spikes can be dried and added to floral arrangements for a rustic and long-lasting display.
• Used in education, the plant can serve as an example in botany classes to illustrate the characteristics of hybrid plants and their propagation.
• Digitalis 'Firebird' can offer a dramatic backdrop in photography, providing a natural and vibrant setting for portrait and macro photography.
• In garden design, the plant's height and bloom color can be used to create vertical layers and color themes within a garden space.
• The plant's structure is ideal for creating natural habitats, offering shelter and potential nesting sites for small birds and beneficial insects.
• It can be used as a marker plant in research plots due to its distinctive appearance that makes it easily recognizable.
• Foxglove 'Firebird' can act as a biological indicator for soil health and pH, as it may show signs of stress in unfavorable soil conditions.
• The robust nature of the plant allows it to serve as a natural windbreak in gardens or small farms, especially in combination with other sturdy plants.
• The leaves of the plant can be used as a natural mulch, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture when laid around other plants.

Feng Shui

The Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Foxglove is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove, is a source of digoxin, a heart medication, and thereby symbolizes healing and medical advancements.
• Protection: Foxglove has a long association with fairy folklore, believed to protect against negative energies and provide a barrier against harm.
• Pride: The erect nature of the Foxglove's flowers can be seen as a symbol of pride and ambition.
• Insincerity: In the Victorian language of flowers, Foxglove symbolized insincerity, possibly stemming from its poisonous nature despite its beautiful appearance.