Flowers of the foxglove plant Digitalis purpurea growing on consolidated scree at Wasdale, Cumbria, UK. The foxglove grows in bright, dry habitats: open hillsides, bottoms of dry walls & forest clearings. The flowers are pollinated by insects seeking the rich store of nectar at the base of the flower's ovary. An extract from the leaves of the foxglove plant is used as the source of the drug, digitalis. It contains substances such as digitoxin & digoxin, which stimulate the heart muscle. In cases of heart failure the drug is administered by mouth, or in serious cases, by injection.