I was out for an afternoon walk today when I came across a most intriguing looking foxglove. It was not of the usual native foxglove ilk, with long and slender stems, bolt upright with a gently curving top, and the stem dotted with the familiar, pink gloves at intervals, nor did it have that bare space at the bottom where the early flowers have withered to produce the ripening green seed heads. No, this one was quite different indeed.
This picture of a group of foxgloves is of the sort with which I am more familiar.
See how the little gloves are spaced out, and tend to be more to one side of the stem? Well, imagine my surprise to find this chunky, almost formidable, quite frightening looking beast nearby!
Whether it is because they are so tightly packed or not, the gloves do not seem to have that same elongated, elegant appearance of the more usual foxglove, appearing much stubbier in shape.
Now, it doesn't matter which angle I snapped it from, the gloves are tightly packed and wrapped completely around the stem. You can just see a tiny piece of stem at the very bottom of the plant.
Not only that, but just look at those vicious looking flowers yet to open at the top of the stem! Why, they look like tiny alien babies, with gaping maws and horrible yellow teeth. I have never seen so many anthers, or the like of this, before.
I think if I were a bee, I would fly quickly in the opposite direction!
Even my favourite foxglove shot shows what appear to be extra stamens inside.
Here is a picture I took several days ago of a more typical foxglove, and the inside is quite different to the Beast. It is more how I expect a foxglove to look. Sweetly charming, soft, and ready to fit gracefully onto the paws of a fox. I always think the flowers would make darling little hats for pixies, elves, and fairy folk.
In my curiosity this afternoon I have Googled images of foxgloves and my only conclusion is that this frightening looking beast may be a hybrid cross between some of the more specialised cultivated varieties and a native wild species. What do you think? I will be interested to know if any of you, especially in the UK, have seen anything like this before.
Until next time
Deborah xo
That's very interesting but I have never seen anything like it before.
ReplyDeleteNeither have I!
DeleteFascinating! A fasciated foxglove. It does look freaky though - your description of it is so perfect. I agree, if I were a bee I'd choose another bloom.
ReplyDeleteI cannot help wondering if this has something to do with Storm Hannah or not.
DeleteWeird and as you say - strangely frightening. Do they call things like this a mutant? crossed with a hollyhock perhaps!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea if it is a mutant or what, but it is not a pretty thing at all.
DeleteThat is quite disturbing in my opinion, Deb. Please let us know if you see more.
ReplyDeleteWhy did I know you would feel it is disturbing too? Great minds and all that. Don't worry, my friend, I am keeping my eyes open. I think, so far, I had already observed foxgloves don't seem to be having a very good year, at least not in my corner.
DeleteI bought foxglove plants a couple of years ago, mine were similar but not filled in so beautifully at the bottom of the stem as the ones you saw. I hope the one's you showed us go forth and multiply.They are toothy looking little guys though, aren't they.
ReplyDeleteAfter I bought my foxglove plants I was reading about them and found out they have digitalis in them and some people have reactions from them. I have atrial fibrillation and didn't want them setting off anything with that by some weird chance, so I k and wore kept my distance from them and their pretty blooms and wore heavy garden gloves and long sleeves when I cleaned out the flower bed that year. I am sure I probably totally over-reacted to what I read.
Cultivated ones can vary greatly. This is so disturbing because it is a native foxglove. Yes, they are a source of digitalis, but I don't think it is anything to worry about unless distilled, or consumed. However, I think you are wise to take precautions, just in case.
DeleteWhat a discovery! But yes I agree it does look very creepy and if I were a bee I would give it a wide berth! I have never seen anything like it and the only thing I can think as you suggest is that it is some type of hybrid. It really is most strange!
ReplyDeleteMy friend wants to gather seeds at the proper time. I am not so sure. I wouldn't want this in my garden, I don't think I would sleep well at night!
DeleteI think I might have one in my garden!!! - not happy - it will give me nightmares! I noticed a foxglove today in the perennial bed and the main stem has been snapped somehow but one of the subsidiary stems bent in a peculiar manner is full of flower buds altogether. If I am right it won't be as big as yours but it will be interesting to see if the flowers look the same once open. I will keep a wary eye on it and post a photo on my blog or twitter if it is the same!!!!
Deleteoh, no! So sorry. I noticed, today, on my walk that this has subsidiary shoots coming too.
DeleteSo unusual, but lovely, nonetheless! Wish I could happen upon foxglove in my area! I know enough to be cautious, if caution is needed. Sending you the best of wishes on this very fine June Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Nellie. At first I also thought it was pretty from a distance, but upon seeing those yellow teeth close up, I changed my mind.
DeleteWow, Deb...it is very weird and creepy, indeed. It looks like it is on steroids to make it grow like that. I do hope it is an abberation and there are no more like it. Scary, I think.
ReplyDeleteHa! My dear friend, on steroids is a great description! Most people might not even notice, but you know me, I see everything!
DeleteIt seems to be some sort of genetic mutation and I agree it's scary looking.
ReplyDeleteI walked by it today and it just does not look as healthy as all the nearby normal looking ones. It is worrying.
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