Digitalis lutea
Digitalis lutea L.
Digitalis lutea is an elegant, clump-forming perennial foxglove from western and central Europe, producing slender spires of soft, straw-yellow tubular flowers above glossy, dark green foliage. It symbolizes insincerity, hidden potential, and the complex duality of beauty and danger.
Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)
June to August (early to midsummer)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
In the Victorian language of flowers, foxgloves generally carried meanings of insincerity, reflecting both their enticing beauty and their dangerous toxicity. The name foxglove is ancient, possibly derived from the Anglo-Saxon "foxes glofa" (fox's gloves), referring to the way the tubular flowers can be slipped onto a finger. The genus name Digitalis comes from the Latin digitus (finger), for the same reason. Straw foxglove holds a special place as the most reliably perennial and shade-tolerant of the commonly grown foxgloves, making it a practical gem for gardeners working with difficult shaded sites. Its quiet, understated pale yellow flowers contrast sharply with the flashy spectacle of the common purple foxglove, embodying a kind of restrained, hidden elegance.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Partial shade preferred; tolerates full sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture
Water
Prefers consistent moisture in a humus-rich soil; tolerates periodic dryness better than D. purpurea; do not allow to dry out completely
Soil
Humus-rich, Well-drained to moist, Alkaline preferred, pH 6.5–8.0
Expert Growing Tips
Grow in humus-rich, well-drained to moist soil in partial shade for best results
Deadhead after flowering or allow seed to ripen for self-seeding, which maintains the colony
Divide clumps in early spring to propagate and rejuvenate older plants
More reliably perennial and longer-lived than the common foxglove (D. purpurea)
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested; wear gloves when handling and keep away from children and pets
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Woodland and shade garden borders
- Cottage and informal garden plantings
- Structural vertical accent in shaded beds
- Combined with ferns, hostas, and hardy geraniums
- Naturalistic and wildlife garden plantings
Traditional Uses
- Like all Digitalis species, D. lutea contains cardiac glycosides and is highly toxic; it must never be used for self-treatment
- The Digitalis genus is the source of the pharmaceutical drugs digitoxin and digoxin, used clinically to treat certain heart conditions
- Historical folk use of Digitalis species for dropsy (edema) predates the formal discovery of cardiac glycosides; this is not a safe or approved modern use
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digitalis lutea
What does Digitalis lutea symbolize?
Straw foxglove symbolizes hidden potential, duality, and quiet complexity. Like all foxgloves, it carries associations of insincerity in the Victorian language of flowers, reflecting the paradox of extraordinary beauty combined with significant toxicity.
Is Digitalis lutea toxic?
Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Like all Digitalis species, it contains cardiac glycosides. Wear gloves when handling and keep away from children and pets. It must never be used for self-treatment of any condition.
Is Digitalis lutea a perennial?
Yes, Straw foxglove is a true perennial and more reliably long-lived than the common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), which is biennial. It forms persistent clumps that return year after year and can be divided in spring to make new plants.
What is the difference between Digitalis lutea and Digitalis purpurea?
Common foxglove (D. purpurea) is a biennial with large, showy purple or pink flowers that are heavily spotted inside, and tall, woolly leaves. Straw foxglove (D. lutea) is a true perennial with glossy leaves, smaller pale yellow flowers, and a more slender, refined appearance. It also tolerates more shade.
What conditions does Digitalis lutea prefer?
It grows best in partial shade in humus-rich, well-drained to moist soil with a slightly alkaline pH. It is one of the best foxgloves for shaded woodland gardens, combining well with ferns, hostas, and hardy geraniums.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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