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Wild Foxglove

How to identify Wild Foxglove (Penstemon cobaea)

Wild Foxglove, also known as False Foxglove, Large-Flowered Beardtongue, Foxglove, Cobaea Beardtongue, Prairie penstemon, Prairie beardtongue, Large flowered beardtongue

Wild Foxglove exhibits a striking presence with its cluster of large, bell-shaped flowers, which are often a vivid shade of purple or violet. The blooms are borne atop erect stems reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height. Its foliage consists of thick, lance-shaped leaves that are predominantly basal. These leaves can add a lush greenery to the base, contrasting nicely with the eye-catching flowers. Wild Foxglove is particularly recognized for its relationship with specialized bees such as Osmia (Melanosmia) distincta, which are attracted to and feed on its nectar and pollen.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Wild Foxglove

1

Bell-shaped flowers in vibrant purple, up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

2

Large, tubular flowers with intricate vein patterns, 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) long.

3

Soft, hairy, broadly ovate leaves, 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, clasping the stem.

Wild FoxgloveWild FoxgloveWild FoxgloveWild FoxgloveWild Foxglove

Detailed Traits of Wild Foxglove

Leaf Features

The leaves of wild Foxglove are distinctly large, typically measuring around 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length. They are downy with a soft, hairy texture, and tend to clasp the stem. The leaves are broadly ovate to oblong in shape, and their color is generally a vibrant, medium green. The veins are prominent, creating a slightly ridged surface. These leaves are also noted for their clasping nature, which means they partially wrap around the stem, making them a key identification feature for wild Foxglove.

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Flower Features

The flowers of wild Foxglove display impressive hues ranging from white to deep purple. Each flower is tubular and bell-shaped, measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length. They have five petals arranged in a symmetrical pattern with a slight flare at the mouth. The flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, emitting a faint, sweet fragrance. The intricate vein patterns on the petals add to their delicate beauty, making wild Foxglove's flowers a delightful sight.

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Wild Foxglove and Their Similar Plants

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Foxglove beardtongue vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is an herbaceous plant related to plantains. Penstemon digitalis means "finger-like" due to the plant's flowers resemblance to the fingers of a gloved hand. Foxglove beardtongue is easily grown and often cultivated on roadsides for landscaping purposes.
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Firecracker penstemon vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is a deciduous perennial shrub that blooms orange-red, tubular flowers from early spring to early summer. Flowers are showy, rising 61 to 91 cm above the foliage and make a beautiful addition to a cut flower arrangement. Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Perfect for any garden.
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Eastern gray beardtongue vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
Eastern gray beardtongue (Penstemon canescens) is indigenous to the Appalachian mountains in the eastern United States. It is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. This species prefers well-drained soil and full or partial sun. It attracts pollinators.
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Hairy Beardtongue vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) is a perennial named for the tiny hairs that grow along its stem. It blooms from spring to summer with trumpet-shaped lilac-purple flowers that grow along a flower stem attracting butterflies bees and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and makes a great addition to a rock garden or nature garden.
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Eastern smooth beardtongue vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
Eastern smooth beardtongue (Penstemon laevigatus) is a flowering plant related to the banana plant native to the eastern United States. It grows naturally in the states of Maine, Georgia, and Mississippi. Eastern smooth beardtongue can grow in both the sun and shade.
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Foothill penstemon 'Margarita BOP' vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
The foothill penstemon 'Margarita BOP' cultivar of the Foothill penstemon was grown to live longer, be easy to grow, and resist deer. Planters appreciate it for the dramatic visual effect it offers when planted en masse along a dry mixed border. Its compact size means that it grows "tidy." The name has a dual origin, with "Margarita" referring to Santa Margarita, the place of its birth, and "BOP" an abbreviation for "back of porch," the specific location where it was found.
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Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink' vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink' is a bushy beardtongue with large pink flowers, white throats, and purple stripes that bloom from mid-summer through fall. The leaves are lance-shaped and grey-green. Beardtongues 'Hidcote Pink' is named after the Hidcote Manor Garden in the United Kingdom.
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Southeastern beardtongue vs. Wild Foxglove: What's The Difference?
Southeastern beardtongue, a hardy perennial native to the southeastern United States, flourishes in sandy soils and open woodlands. This resilient species boasts tubular, lavender to pale blue flowers, each emanating from leaf axils on erect, multiple-branched spikes. Lance-shaped foliage clings to stems, aiding in drought resistance, while the vibrant blooms attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, playing a pivotal role in the local ecosystem.
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Key Facts About Wild Foxglove

Attributes of Wild Foxglove
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 8 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Pink
Lavender
Leaf type
Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Wild Foxglove

Family
Plantain
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Species
Wild Foxglove (Penstemon cobaea)
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