What is this flower?

Question

I was in the Allegheny National Forest June 28th and this flower was in full bloom. It's location was mostly sunny in rich soil. The plant was approx 36" tall. The leaves were on the "bottom half of the plant". A tall "spike" was filled with 2 to 3 inches long, 1-in diameter, tubular bell like flowers (trumpet like). The flowers were only on one half (the sunny side) of the spike. Flowers were not completely around the stalk. The flowers on the bottom of the spike were pink/purple and the flowers fadded to white towards the top of the spike. The very top of the spike had flowers that had not yet blossomed.

I've looked in my Petersons Field Guide and on the Web and can't find the name of this plant. Any suggestions?

I have a picture - I just don't know how to post it.

Picture is posted on www.photobucket.com. Click this link

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/MarSwimFan/DSCN1807.jpg

Answer 1

Jeff, could it have been a Foxglove(Digitalis purpurea)? Here is some information; Height: 2-5 feet, Spread: 1-1/2-2 feet, Hardy: to zone 4. Classified as a biennial, foxglove self sows so generously, that once planted, it can be considered permanent. Tall spikes of colorful top leafy stems makes an outstanding vertical effect, valuable at the rear border. Flowers come in purple,pink,white,reddish, or yellow colors. Individually they are tubular, about 2-1/2 inches long, and are ranged along one side of the stems. The flowers, which occur along the top 1 or 2 feet of the flower stalk, begin blooming at the bottom and stop at the top. They appear in June and July. The leaves are large, somewhat rough and wrinkled, and dark green on the upper surface and light green beneath. Covered with whitish hairs, they are dense at the base of the plant, becoming smaller and more scarce towards the top. I have hundreds of foxglove, and they are absolutely gorgeous, when in full bloom. I hope these are the plant that you enjoyed, and there is a great deal more of information about them. They are very easy to to maintain, hope this is what you have been looking for.

Answer 2

I think, YES. Some of US, Humans, Some time, Forget to Observe the Beautiful Nature Out side, when It is Near US, While Frequently watching in the TV, with the Horrible Happenings of the Nature, Some where, Sitting in the Hall. Now, I am Sitting in My Hall, While Answering these Questions, My Sight is Frequently Watching the Red Gulmohar Flowers Near My House, and Feel Relaxing and Enjoying the Beautiful Blossom.

Answer 3

I have foxglove in my garden, and I have to say that your picture looks a lot like it, especially the flowers. I'm not sure if the leaves are the same, but for sure the flowers are. It is definitely not a poppy, peony, or yucca.

Answer 4

Hi! I have no idea, sorry. I've never planted anything like that, or seen it at the nursery either... Try posting a link with a picture by going to http://www.photobucket.com just start an account (free), and post your pic =) Would be very interesting to see it! xx

Answer 5

its a foxglove---perennial, blooms in the summer, loves sun.
CAUTION: the whole plant is very poisonous especially to horses

Answer 6

Did it look like this?
Foxglove
Comes in many colors
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcdnry/364801346/
Yucca....probably not!
http://www.thebestlinks.com/images/9/92/Yucca_flowering.jpg

Answer 7

It is definatly Foxglove!

Answer 8

There are so many flowers that has the same configuration and some are even wild.
A picture would be appreciated.

Answer 9

Who knows?

Answer 10

a foxglove or hollyhock - they are really pretty plants!