Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a striking perennial plant admired for its upright growth and showy, tubular flowers. This North American native, also known as Smooth White Penstemon, offers a beautiful display in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. It is a popular choice for residential landscaping and native plant gardens.
Is Foxglove Beardtongue Poisonous
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is generally considered non-toxic to both humans and common household pets. This plant does not contain the potent cardiac glycosides found in its namesake, the true foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Penstemon digitalis poses no significant toxicity concerns.
It is considered a safe addition to gardens where children and pets may be present. This low toxicity distinguishes it from the highly poisonous true foxglove, despite their similar common names and superficial resemblances.
Recognizing Symptoms of Exposure
Due to its generally non-toxic nature, severe symptoms of exposure to Foxglove Beardtongue are not typically observed in humans or animals. If a human or pet ingests a large quantity of any plant material, mild gastrointestinal upset can occur. This might manifest as minor stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea.
For pets, observe their behavior after any plant ingestion. While serious effects are not expected, any unusual or persistent symptoms, such as lethargy or continued vomiting, warrant attention. Contact irritation, such as skin rashes, is not a common concern.
Safe Handling and Emergency Measures
Handling Foxglove Beardtongue requires no special precautions beyond general gardening practices. Wearing gloves during planting or pruning and washing hands afterwards is a good habit when working with any garden plant. This helps prevent minor irritations from plant sap or soil.
In the rare event of accidental ingestion by a pet, close monitoring for mild digestive upset is recommended. Should symptoms like vomiting or lethargy occur, contacting a veterinarian for advice is a prudent step. For human exposure, if any mild symptoms arise, consulting a poison control center for guidance is advisable.
Distinguishing from True Foxglove
It is important to differentiate Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) from the highly toxic Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) due to the latter’s dangerous cardiac glycosides. Penstemon digitalis is native to North America, while Digitalis purpurea originated in Europe.
A key visual distinction lies in their leaves: Foxglove Beardtongue has paired, opposite leaves along its flowering stalk and hairless basal leaves. In contrast, true foxglove displays alternate or staggered leaves up its stalk and fuzzy basal leaves.
The flowers also differ. Foxglove Beardtongue features tubular blooms with distinct upper and lower lobes and a characteristic hairy staminode, giving it the “beardtongue” name. True foxglove flowers are more uniformly bell-shaped or cylindrical and lack these prominent lobes.
Ingesting any part of Digitalis purpurea can lead to severe cardiac issues and can be fatal.