Beautiful, Deadly Nature

Living so close to nature, we are constantly reminded that we have very little control. Every year we are surprised by what ends up growing in our river-side yard, and every year it's different.

These beautiful flowers have popped up this year and have attracted a lot of large Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. The hummingbirds also seem to love them. 

Although the butterflies and birds enjoy them, these lovely flowers are actually the very poisonous Foxglove of the genus Digitalis.  While the digoxin extracted from this genus is used to create heart medication, Foxglove can be deadly to mammals if ingested. 

Fortunately, the dogs don't seem interested in the plant at all and the pollinators love it. So, for now, the gorgeous, deadly flower stays.