Digitalis ferruginea

Rusty foxglove

Digitalis ferruginea, commonly known as rusty foxglove, is a perennial herb distinguished by its distinctive reddish-brown spots on the calyx. Native to Europe, this potent plant contains cardiac glycosides. While historically significant in treating heart conditions, its high toxicity requires extreme caution, as improper use can be fatal.

  • Scientific name: Digitalis ferruginea
  • Family: Plantaginaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Plantaginaceae, it is classified under the genus Digitalis. Specifically, Digitalis ferruginea represents a unique medicinal species within this taxonomic hierarchy.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Plantaginaceae WCVP
Genus Digitalis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Digitalis ferruginea, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Poland, it is called Naparstnica rdzawa, while in Russia, it is referred to as Наперстянка ржавая. In Azerbaijan, the species is known as Paslı üskükotu, and in the Upper Sorbian language, it is called Zerzawy naporst. Finally, in Sweden, it is commonly identified as Brun fingerborgsblomma.
Language Common Name Source
pl Naparstnica rdzawa Wikidata
ru Наперстянка ржавая Wikidata
az Paslı üskükotu Wikidata
hsb Zerzawy naporst Wikidata
sv Brun fingerborgsblomma Wikidata
ar قمعية عنابية Wikidata
de Rostfarbiger Fingerhut Wikidata
et Roostepruun sõrmkübar Wikidata
hy ժանգային մատնոցուկ Wikidata
bg ръждив напръстник Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across various regions of Europe. In Middle Europe, its presence is well-documented in both Germany and Hungary. Moving toward the Balkan Peninsula, its distribution extends into Southeastern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Albania and Bulgaria. Furthermore, the species reaches its southern reaches within the country of Greece.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP
Caucasus North Caucasus WCVP

Chemicals

Digitalis ferruginea has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cardenolides, digoxin, flavonoids, hispidulin, p-coumaric acid.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cardenolides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
digoxin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hispidulin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
p-coumaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆