Foxgloves
Foxgloves are very common throughout UK in many habitats on acid soils. They occur throughout Hampshire and the New Forest.
In the New Forest they are commonest in woodlands, especially open areas or in places that have recently been disturbed, and they can be seen in flower by taking a walk through almost any areas of woodland during June.
The foxglove is responsible for modern medicine: in the late 17 s William Withering studied the effects of the leaves on patients and found that it slowed and strengthened the heartbeat, but the dosage was critical and only small amounts could be given. Later, the active properties including digitoxin were isolated and are still used today in the modern medicines for heart stimulation.
