Tall, bright foxgloves serve as a wonderful decoration for a suburban area. They are low maintenance and grow well in any soil. A variety of species allows you to create bright and colorful compositions in the flower beds. Rusty foxglove looks very unusual - one of the varieties of plants from the foxglove genus, which simultaneously combines medicinal properties and a potent poison.
Rusty foxglove flowers are very variable - from light yellow to yellowish brown and brown
Botanical description
The closest relative of foxglove is plantain, they belong to the same family - Plantain. Outwardly, it is a tall (up to 1-1.2 m) herbaceous plant, with a straight, slightly pubescent stem.
A rosette of green basal leaves of various sizes and shapes was collected near the ground, depending on the location. The lower leaves in length can be from 7 to 40 cm, with a width of 1-3 cm. They have an oblong-lanceolate shape, are attached to the stem with the help of petioles, slightly pubescent. The leaves of the middle and upper row, as a rule, are smooth, not pubescent, linear or oblong-lanceolate, and at the same time folded in half.
A single straight stem rises from the rosette, slightly curved at the base. At the end of the stem there is a racemose inflorescence up to 40 cm long. The flowers are painted in a reddish or yellow-brown color, which served as the basis for the species name of the plant.
The flowering period of foxglove rusty is June-July. After flowering, fruits are formed on the stem - ovoid naked boxes less than 1 cm in length. In the first year, foxglove rusty forms only a basal rosette, as in the photo below:
The habitat of this species of foxglove is central and southern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Minor. It prefers to grow in forest clearings or in thickets of shrubs, it is also found in mountainous areas at any height - up to subalpine meadows.
Growing and care conditions
All types of foxglove are quite unpretentious and easily take root in both sunny and shaded areas. The only changes that are observed when growing in the shade are a slight stretching of the inflorescences, and then not in all species. There are also no special requirements for the soil, although the plant develops better on loose, fertile soils and blooms more abundantly and for a long time. The only requirement for soils is good water permeability, as stagnant water can kill the plant.
Watering is necessary moderate, but if the flower grows in a sunny area, it is quite frequent. Otherwise, foxglove care comes down to regular weeding and loosening the soil. For abundant flowering, you can apply complex mineral fertilizers under the plant 2-3 times during the summer.
Digitalis refers to perennial plants that winter in the ground. In autumn, when the foliage begins to die off, and the roots become bare, they are sprinkled with soil. The flower tolerates winter and frost well and easily grows in spring.
reproduction
If favorable conditions are created for rusty foxglove and proper care is provided, it easily sets seed boxes in which full-fledged seeds ripen. In this case, concerns about the reproduction of the plant can be left to nature - foxglove will reproduce perfectly by self-sowing.
If necessary, propagate foxglove from purchased seeds, you can also count on good seedlings. Seeds germinate together and fairly quickly, without requiring any pre-treatment or stratification.
The seeds of the plant are quite small - 1 gram can contain from 1500 to 17000 pieces. Therefore, they are usually sown immediately in beds or cold greenhouses in early summer (May-June). A distance of about 35-45 cm is left between the rows. You need to sprinkle the seeds quite a bit - with a thin layer of earth or sand. To keep the humidity suitable for them, you can cover the bed with non-woven material.
The first shoots will appear in 7-15 days. They need to be watered very carefully so as not to nail to the ground and break thin stems. At first, seedlings need shading - from the bright midday sun. At the age of 1-1.5 months, seedlings are thinned out, removing excess shoots that prevent the rest from growing. The distance between plants is left about 5 cm. A month later, a second thinning is carried out, increasing the distance to 10-15 cm.
Important! If the seedlings are not thinned out in time, the grown plants will be small, and the flower stalks will be short and weak.
If desired, you can sow the seeds in a seedling box and keep it at room temperature. In this case, it is not necessary to sprinkle the seeds, they need light to germinate. The necessary humidity will help to provide a film or glass that covers the box. After the emergence of seedlings, they are also thinned out or swooped down. Grown rosettes are planted in a permanent place closer to autumn, leaving a distance of at least 25 cm between them. To protect young plants from frost, it is better to cover them with branches or spruce branches in the first winter. Flowering from digitalis grown from seeds can be expected in the second year.
This is interesting! Good results are obtained by winter sowing of seeds in open ground. So they go through a natural stratification and sprout well in the spring.
Medicinal properties and uses
Digitalis rusty is rich in cardiac glycosides, including tigonin, which intensively affect the cardiovascular system, providing a cumulative (accumulative) effect.
For medicinal purposes, only basal and stem leaves of young plants are used - not older than 1-2 years. They are collected in dry weather and immediately dried at a temperature of 50-60 degrees. Ordinary slow drying in the shade is not suitable for this plant, since under such conditions the active components contained in it are destroyed.
Important! Digitalis belongs to the category of highly poisonous plants, therefore, drugs and infusions from it should be used very carefully and under the supervision of a doctor.
Although foxglove is considered an unpretentious and undemanding flower, like any other plant, it will be grateful for care and attention, and will respond to care with lush flowering and good health.
Digitalis rusty is a perennial herbaceous plant with strong roots. It grows near the Ural mountains and in the Alps. This plant is used in medicine, as it improves heart function.
For medical use, the lower leaves are collected, which are located at the roots. Their collection is carried out in the spring, when the age of the plant is 1-2 years. Rusty foxglove blooms with tassels that are tilted due to their own weight. The most interesting thing is that the leaves are of different sizes. The lowest ones can reach a length of 40 cm, their width is small - 1-3 cm. The flowers are small, 4 cm long. They are collected in inflorescences on a large brush. Foxglove blooms in July and August. The medicinal leaves are harvested in the spring. It was at this time that most of the glycosides were found in vegetable raw materials.
Pharmacognosy has not yet studied the plant enough. It is known that this herb contains cardiac glycosides, which are used in the treatment of heart failure and heart defects. The plant is poisonous, despite the naturalness, it is worth strictly adhering to the therapeutic doses indicated in the instructions.
Now the pharmacy sells the drug "Digalen-neo" based on rusty foxglove. The medicine is sold in the form of tinctures and injections. Usually the drug is used orally, less often candles or microclysters with a substance are used. In acute heart failure, the drug is used in ampoules. Injections are made intramuscularly.
Growing foxglove rusty in the garden
This beautiful plant is quite unpretentious. It needs to be watered infrequently. You can plant the plant in a weak shade or in the sun. Flowers orange or red. It is because of the color of the buds that the plant got its name.
As for the soil, foxglove loves light and loose soils. It grows well in loam, where most flowers do not develop well. Usually foxglove is planted along garden paths or near arbors. It perfectly outlines the space due to its height. Beautiful flowers are able to decorate complex flower arrangements in flower beds. This can be seen in the photo.
Benefits of foxglove rusty:
- long flowering period;
- ease of care;
- the ability to use for medicinal purposes;
- grows in the shade in conditions of lack of moisture.
You need to fertilize the plant 2-3 times per season. For this purpose, complex mineral fertilizers are used. Weed your plants regularly.
Growing foxglove rusty from seeds
The plant grows well from seed. If you have a lot of seed, then there is no need to grow seedlings. Seeds are sown in open ground in June. If you want to sow earlier, use cold greenhouses for shelter. Draw lines on the ground at a distance of 40 cm from each other. Sprinkle seeds along these lines. The earth needs to be sprinkled quite a bit. You can use sand for sprinkling. Moisten the soil and cover the area with non-woven damp material. This will prevent moisture from evaporating.
Shoots appear in 7-14 days. After that, after a couple of weeks, you need to thin out the rows. Leave the strongest sprouts at a distance of 5 cm from each other. After a month, thin out the rows again. This time, the distance between the shoots should be 12 cm. If weak plants are not removed in time, the rusty foxglove will have thin and long leaves and small flowers. That is why clearly mark the day the first shoots appear, so as not to forget to thin out the plants.
Growing seedlings
It is necessary to sow seeds in boxes without sprinkling them with earth. After the emergence of seedlings, they are watered with mineral fertilizers. Strengthened seedlings are usually transferred to open ground in the fall. The foxglove will bloom next year. To protect the plant and protect it from frost, you can cover the foxglove with dry leaves or other covering material.
The long stems of foxglove seem to be strewn with a bunch of bright thimbles. The Germans are convinced that the flowers of this plant serve as caps for the forest elven tribe, and the Irish revere it as a "witch's thimble." From this article, the reader will learn where you can meet foxglove, why the plant is useful and dangerous, how to grow it on your site and enjoy charming flowers all summer long.
Digitalis belongs to the Plantain family. In scientific circles, it is better known as Digitalis (from Latin Digitalis). Among the 25 species of digitalis, there are both one-, two-, and perennial representatives. The height of their stem strongly depends on the species: both undersized plants 30 cm high and giants growing up to 150 cm come across. Already at the beginning of summer of the second year of life, the stem of the plant is decorated with a recognizable inflorescence: flowers bloom collected in a dense brush.
The shape of digitalis flowers resembles an inverted bell and is very similar to a thimble, for which the plant was awarded its name. Otherwise, foxglove is called thimblegrass, thimble or forest bell. Petiolate dark green leaves have an oval or lanceolate shape. Near the ground, the leaves of thimblegrass form a dense rosette, while throughout the shoot they are arranged alternately.
The most significant types:
- Digitalis purple (D. purpurea)- is very popular with gardeners due to its decorative properties. Over the years of breeding, numerous varieties of purple foxglove with a variety of flower colors have been bred.
- Rusty foxglove (D. ferruginea)- owes its name to the reddish color of the corollas of flowers. This perennial herb is valued for its medicinal properties. Rusty foxglove is considered the least decorative species, although this question is debatable and the answer largely depends on personal preference.
- Digitalis grandiflora (Digitalis grandiflora)- acquired the name due to the spectacular large flowers of different shades of yellow.
- Woolly foxglove (D. lanata)- a source of valuable medicinal raw materials. Dense pubescence covers not only the stem, but also the sepals and upper leaves, which determines the name.
Chemical composition and distribution
All types of digitalis are characterized by the content of cardiac glycosides. Digitalis purpurea contains 3 main primary glycosides (as well as N. ciliary): purple aglycoside A, purple aglycoside B and glucogitaloxin. Woolly foxglove, listed in the Red Book, has the most complex chemical composition. Its leaves contain lanatosides A, B, C, D and E. This chemical composition explains the toxicity of all types of thimble grass.
Most species of digitalis come from the Mediterranean and Western Asia. The homeland of some species is considered to be North Africa, where they can be found to this day. The foxglove plant prefers to be located in partial shade and at the same time loves heat. In the wild, digitalis can be found walking through the forest edges, meadows and fields of Europe, Western Siberia and East Asia. In Russia there are only cultural forms. There are also endemic species among thimblers. So, for example, foxglove is found only in the mountains of the Main Caucasian Range.
The foxglove plant prefers partial shade and warmth.
Application
The first thing that attracts the eye of digitalis is a flower. Digitalis is in great demand among landscapers precisely because of the spectacular appearance of the inflorescences. Digitalis purple and digitalis large-flowered were especially successful in this matter. The first sought fame thanks to bright colors; merit of the second - larger than other species, the size of the flower.
Planting and caring for foxglove in the open field
Thimblestands are quite unpretentious garden flowers. Perennial in nature, they are more commonly grown as biennials. They can be placed in a mixborder and in a flower bed, however, due to the high stem, they will look good surrounded by decorative trees and bushes. The vegetative method of propagation of this plant is not widespread, it is grown from seeds. Planting is carried out in open ground or using seedlings.
Planting and care in the open field are associated with a number of difficulties, since the plant is demanding on heat. The development of seedlings is slow, and therefore gardeners often grow seedlings of digitalis. In the phase of the first pair of true leaves, a pick is carried out without damaging the roots of the plants. Seedlings are planted in open ground at the end of May, but in many respects the time of planting depends on the region. If the right place for planting has been chosen, further care of the plants will not take much effort.
The thimbler requires timely watering, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. The soil after watering should be loosened for better aeration. Digitalis is quite resistant to diseases and pests. Methods of struggle in case of misfortune are only a change in agricultural technology and treatment with insecticides. In autumn, the stems of the thimbler are shortened, the rhizomes are covered with fresh soil and / or spruce branches. In such conditions, the plant tolerates winter well. In addition to being used in landscaping, many types of foxglove have found medicinal uses.
Digitalis purple is often used for landscaping
Medicinal properties and harm
Thimble grass leaves are included in the State Pharmacopoeia and are classified as cardiotonic drugs. The medicinal properties of foxglove are due to the high content of cardiac glycosides in its parts. They are capable of:
- Reduce the excitability of the conduction system of the heart;
- Strengthen systole;
- Lengthen diastole;
- Increase the concentration of ionized potassium in the blood;
- Increase the content of sodium ions inside the cells.
Digitalis preparations will help to cope with:
- Chronic heart failure of various origins and all degrees;
- Blood formation disorders I and II degree;
- Valvular heart disease;
- Atrial fibrillation;
- Hypertension.
Any, even the slightest, overdose of digitalis preparations can cause severe poisoning. All parts of the "witch's thimble" are poisonous.
Foxglove leaves are cardiotonic
Collection, preparation and storage
The most valuable are the leaves of digitalis. According to Pharmacopoeia XI, digitalis purpurea can be used as a whole, crushed leaf or in powder form. Large-flowered foxglove is allowed to be used only in the form of a whole leaf.
The collection of raw materials begins in July-August. In the first year of growing a thimble, a rosette of leaves is immediately cut off. This operation is repeated after 1-1.5 months, and in some regions it is possible to harvest up to three times a year. Plants of the second year of life are less convenient: stem leaves are harvested from them, and this has to be done manually.
Since the accumulation of glycosides in plant tissues with the greatest intensity occurs under the influence of sunlight, the collection is carried out on a fine day. The raw materials are quickly dried and then well and tightly packed. Whole dry leaves are stored in a dry place protected from sunlight. Purple foxglove powder is allowed to be stored in glass ampoules or special tightly closed vessels.
Collect foxglove in July-August
Recipes
From the "witch's thimble" you can make an infusion:
In one glass of warm water, add 1.5 teaspoons of ready-made digitalis raw materials. The resulting suspension insist for 12 hours. Used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, 1 teaspoon of infusion 2 times a day.
To prepare the tincture:
For 50 ml of alcohol, take 20 g of raw materials of the thimble. The resulting drug is placed in a dark glass vessel and left for a week without access to light. The finished tincture is used to get rid of neurosis, taking 15 drops per day. Pounded dry leaves of digitalis are used externally in small doses, sprinkled with powder on burns, wounds, bruises.
From foxglove, you can prepare an infusion or decoction
Raw foxglove, no doubt, has remarkable medicinal properties. However, even the slightest overdose can cause irreparable harm to health, and therefore it is advisable to take only ready-made drugs under the supervision of a doctor.
Rusty foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea) is a perennial plant up to 150 cm high, with a lignified rhizome of the norichnik family (Scrophulariaceae), grown in culture as a biennial. Lower foxglove leaves rusty lanceolate, up to 20 cm long. 
The flowers are small, yellow-gray, turning into an unusual golden brown or rusty color, collected in large inflorescences. 
Peduncles are taller than human growth, but the flowers are not very large, tightly humiliate the stem, in the lower part of which, as it were, beaten with rust. Blossoms in June - August, seeds ripen in September.
Digitalis rusty grows in Eastern and Southern Transcaucasia from the lower forest belt to subalpine meadows. 
It has been known in culture since 1597. A very polymorphic species, populations of different origins can vary greatly. There are varieties and forms with larger flowers. 
According to the content of chemicals, this type of plant is close to purple foxglove. Rusty foxglove also contains cardiac glycosides.
According to experimental data and clinical observations, digitalis preparations rust and purple have a similar effect on the cardiovascular system. Under their influence, systole increases, diastole lengthens, the amplitude of heart contractions increases, the heart rhythm slows down, the functions of automatism, excitability and conduction change. Rusty foxglove has somewhat more pronounced cumulative properties than purple foxglove. 
Contraindications foxglove rusty
Contraindications for digitalis rusty include: bradycardia, impaired atrioventricular conduction, extrasystole of medicinal origin.Carefully! All types foxglove poisonous plants and are prohibited for independent use due to possible poisoning.
You can read more about growing digitalis.
Perennial herbaceous plant, 100-120 cm high, of the family Scrophulariaceae. Rusty foxglove grows in the Caucasus. For medical purposes, the leaves of one- or two-year-old plants are used.
The chemical composition of foxglove rusty
Pharmacological properties of foxglove rusty
According to the nature of the pharmacological action, foxglove rusty almost does not differ from foxglove purpurea.
According to experimental data and clinical observations, preparations of foxglove rusty and purple have a similar effect on the cardiovascular system. Under their influence, systole increases, diastole lengthens, the amplitude of heart contractions increases, the heart rhythm slows down, the functions of automatism, excitability and conduction change. Rusty foxglove has somewhat more pronounced cumulative properties than purple foxglove.
From the leaves of foxglove rusty, a novogalenic preparation, digalen-neo, was obtained.
The use of foxglove rusty in medicine
By the nature of the action on the heart, digalen-neo is similar to digitalis purpurea preparations. The therapeutic effect in the form of a decrease in heart rate and a decrease in pulse deficit appears on the 2nd-3rd day of treatment. By the end of the 1st-2nd week, shortness of breath, cyanosis, edema decrease or completely disappear, diuresis increases.
Digalen-neo is used for chronic forms of circulatory failure of stages I, II and III and for the tachyarrhythmic form of atrial fibrillation. In addition, the drug can be administered orally in mild forms of cardiac decompensation. Digalen-neo has a stronger effect when administered parenterally, however, it should not be used for the treatment of acute heart failure. When taking the drug inside, dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, vomiting) may occur. With rectal administration, irritation of the rectal mucosa quickly appears.
Contraindications. Bradycardia, violation of atrioventricular conduction, extrasystole of medicinal origin (especially bigeminia).
Dosage forms, method of administration and doses of preparations of foxglove rusty
Digalen-neo (Digalen-neo) - an aqueous solution of the amount of digitalis rusty glycosides, purified from ballast substances. Transparent, slightly yellowish liquid of bitter taste, neutral reaction.
The drug is prescribed orally 15-20 drops 2-3 times a day, in microclysters 20 drops 2 times a day, under the skin 0.5-1 ml 1-2 times a day. The highest single dose when injected under the skin 1 ml, daily 3 ml; when taken orally, a single dose of 20 drops, daily 60 drops.
