What is Foxglove?

Foxglove

Foxglove is native to Europe.
It was brought by settlers for medicinal purposes. As a bonus, it was ornamental.
The heart medication, digitalis, was originally derived from this plant. It is now synthetically made. Today, foxglove is used mainly in landscaping.

Foxglove flourishes with disturbance, persisting afterwards if there is moderate shade.
In the Redwood National and State Parks, foxglove can be seen growing along road corridors, in alder forest, and in shady margins of the Bald Hills prairies.

Foxglove, a large plant with an abundant seed supply, displaces some native herbaceous species.
The plants are biennial, but seeds survive in the soil for years.
The plants are toxic and exclude wildlife.
Foxglove's particularly showy ornamental appearance distracts from appreciation of the natural landscapes and native flora that inspired establishing the redwood parks.

Pulling up the entire plant, including roots, during winter is best. This prevents more plants from producing seeds come summer.
Tools are not necessary. Foxglove is easily pulled by hand. Plants can be left where pulled.
Several years of follow-up pulling may be needed to deplete the buried seed bank.
Prevention is the most cost effective approach. After any type of ground disturbance, quickly seed with desirable species to minimize the chance for foxgloves to get started.

Discourage people from planting foxglove near parks and along highways. They spread.
Report sightings. Notify the Vegetation Management branch at the South Operations Center in Orick (707-464-6101, ext. 5282). Tell them about the location of the plants so they can be mapped for future work projects.
To become even more involved in control of this and other exotic species, sign up as a Volunteer in Parks (VIP).
CAUTION: Do not remove foxglove without permission in writing or direction from a private land owner, manager or, if on public lands, an agency official.