This genus contains over 20 species of either biennial or perennial plants. They have tubular throated flowers on tall spikes.

Digitalis in Latin means "finger of a glove" or "thimble" and refers to the shape of the flowers. The common name is connected with English superstitions of fairies. Fox is a corruption of folk, hence little folks gloves, or, more specifically, fairy gloves. The heart stimulant, digitalis, is derived from this plant.