Penstemon digitalis
Beardtongue Foxglove

A popular native ornamental, with tall spires of tapered, tubular, purple to pink or white flowers, foxglove is also a source of digitoxin, used in the heart drug digitalis. These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

Foxglove is a favourite to the 300+ species of Ontario native bees and honeybees as a source for pollen, nectar and respite in cold rainy weather. Foxgloves have also proven their value in permaculture fruit tree guilds. Beware- this plant is considered toxic if ingested.