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OUTDOORS WILD THINGS - The common foxglove is a deadly beauty, which is why critters avoid munching on the pinkish-purple flowers or any other part of this poisonous plant.
Eating the plants cause illness (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and irregular heartbeats) and death, although hummingbirds feed on them with no ill effects. However, the plants contain chemicals used in the drug digitalis, which is taken by those with heart disease.
Despite its toxic nature, foxglove is a popular garden plant. Its easy to see why, given the flowers dramatic good looks. Dense bunches of bell-shaped flowers grow on spikes that can be as tall as 6 feet, and the blooms are further decorated by spots found inside their petals.