What a beautiful picture of Foxglove!  Al took this photo at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on Thursday.  
 

The botanical name is Digitalis purpurea.  It is a biennial, meaning it has to be two years old before it blooms.  The leaves are a rosette close to the ground, and when it's ready to bloom it sends up 3 foot tall spikes that look like this.  Foxglove grows easily from seed;  you just have to be patient for them to bloom.   
 

It is extremely poisonous.  However, digitalis is prescribed in the right amounts to strengthen the heart, and regulate its beat.  Don't try this at home!!!!!!  One leaf chewed and swallowed may cause paralysis and sudden heart failure.
 

If you haven't visited the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, this is the most perfect time to go.  The gardens are full of mature Rhododendrons and hundreds of wildflowers.  And they are in bloom now.  You may see Jack-in-the-pulpit, trillions of Trillium, Digitalis, and Rhododendrons.  You may even see a pink Ladyslipper orchid.  It's over in Hiawassee, just past the Chop House.  It is a lovely spring outing.  
 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!