Digitalis

There are many theories on how Foxgloves got their name.

Some say its because the patterning on the inside of the bell like flowers look like the paw prints of foxes.

Another thought is that they are named after the famous botanist Fuchs - which translates from German to Fox in English.

Then there are those who think the name derives from the Fairy Folks who were said to live in the flowers.

Others think that fox cubs use the fallen flowers as gloves.

The Latin name digitalis comes from the fact that the flowers are the exact size for human fingers (digits) which as you can see is true.

As children we spent many a happy hour wearing fox glove flowers on our fingers and playing at being foxes.

Some habits die hard!