Mt. St. Helens Hummocks Trail Adventures – Part 9

A beautiful danger on the trail!

Nestled in a sea of green, this gorgeous purple flower caught my attention as we hiked down the Hummocks Trail. It also captivated the attention of several members of our hiking group – especially the children. It’s beautiful bell-like flowers swayed gently in the breeze. Almost like a pied piper, the flower drew them closer – to reach out and touch it.

Warning bells went of in my head when I saw them getting closer and closer to the flower! I love to allow children the opportunity to explore nature – but this exploration could be deadly! “Don’t touch that flower!” The flower’s beautiful pied piper call to touch and pick it was strong, but the children drew back their hands at the warning.

Just a nibble could cause death!

They looked at me for an explanation of the warning… This flower is named, “Foxglove.” It is EXTREMELY POISONOUS! Just a nibble of this plant is enough to cause potential death. The whole plant is toxic – from the roots to the seeds. It’s even deadly to wildlife.

(Foxglove - pic from Wikipedia)

A surprising secret!

However, even though it is deadly, there is a surprising use for Foxglove… It is the source of Digitalis, which is prescribed by doctors to help strengthen the heart and regulate its beat. However, it must be monitored carefully – just a little too much digitalis, and the outcome of the patient is not good.

Life along the Hummocks Trail is both beautiful and dangerous. Foxglove fits into this cycle of the regeneration of life around Mt. St. Helens very well because it attracts lots of insects and even hummingbirds to the devastated area. Small insects even take cover inside the flower in wet, or cold weather.

We continued down the trail, marveling at the wonders of God’s creativity.

A Warning to Parents

Foxglove is not only found in the wild. Due to it’s amazing beauty, it can also be found in gardens. Foxglove should NEVER be planted in a garden frequented by small children.