Mullein Verbascum thapsus

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as the common mullein, features a distinct appearance. This plant typically exhibits a rosette of large, thick, woolly leaves that are green-gray in color. These felt-like leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving them a soft texture. As the plant matures, it produces a single, sturdy stem that is also covered in the same woolly hairs. The stem is crowned by a dense spike of yellow flowers. These blooms are small and consist of five petals, which are typically bright yellow and stand out against the foliage. The flowers are densely packed on the stem, forming a long, slender spire that blooms progressively over time. The arrangement of the flowers and the stalk they are on resemble a candlestick, which has contributed to one of its other common names. The common mullein's general shape is an upright and robust structure with leaves progressively getting smaller as they ascend the stem. Similarly, the plant's overall appearance can be quite striking in its natural habitat due to its distinctive fuzzy texture and the contrast of bright yellow flowers against its silvery foliage.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Great Mullein, Common Mullein, Woolly Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Velvet Plant, Shepherd's Club, Shepherd's Staff, Jacob's Staff, Flannel Plant, Lungwort, White Mullein, Bullock's Lungwort, Mullein Dock, Our Lady's Flannel, Blanket Herb, Rag Paper, Wild Ice Leaf, Clown's Lungwort, Peter's Staff, Jupiter's Staff, Feltwort, Hag's Taper.
- Common names
  Verbascum thapsiforme, Verbascum thapsus var. crassifolium, Verbascum thapsus var. giganteum, Verbascum thapsoides
Toxicity
- To humans
  Mullein, known scientifically as Verbascum thapsus, is generally regarded as safe for human consumption when used in moderate amounts, such as in herbal teas. There is no significant report of toxicity from ingesting mullein. However, like any plant, it may cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals, and consuming it in large quantities could potentially lead to adverse effects. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any new herbal remedies, especially for those who are pregnant, nursing, or have existing health conditions.
- To pets
  Mullein, the common name for Verbascum thapsus, is not listed as a toxic plant to pets, such as dogs and cats. It is generally considered non-toxic and is sometimes even used as a natural remedy for certain ailments in pets, under the guidance of a veterinarian. As with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, like vomiting or diarrhea, due to the novelty and fiber content. Always ensure that pets have a balanced diet and consult with a veterinarian if unusual behavior or symptoms appear after ingestion of any plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Biennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  5 feet (1.52 meters)
- Spread
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Wildlife habitat: Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as common mullein, provides shelter and habitat for various insects and wildlife.
- Soil improvement: This plant is known to improve soil quality by breaking up compacted soil with its deep root system.
- Erosion control: Common mullein's roots help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on disturbed lands.
- Drought resistance: It is highly drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid environments.
- Ornamental use: With its tall spikes of yellow flowers, common mullein is sometimes used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
- Pioneer species: It can quickly colonize bare or disturbed grounds, which can help in the process of ecological succession.
- Food for pollinators: Its flowers are visited by various pollinators, including bees, which contribute to the pollination of surrounding flora.
Medical Properties
- Expectorant – Verbascum thapsus has been used traditionally to expel mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes.
- Demulcent – The mucilage present in the plant can soothe irritated or inflamed skin or mucous membranes.
- Anti-inflammatory – It contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation.
- Diuretic – It has been used to increase urine output to help in the treatment of urinary tract inflammation.
- Antibacterial – The plant has shown potential antibacterial properties in some studies.
- Astringent – Due to its tannin content, it has been used to tighten and tone skin or mucous surfaces.
- Emollient – Verbascum thapsus can be used to soften and soothe the skin.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Fishing aid: Mullein leaves can be used as a fish poison in streams to temporarily immobilize fish for easy capture.
- Torch making: The dried stalks of mullein can be dipped in wax or fat and used as torches due to their natural flammability and sturdy structure.
- Insulation material: Dried mullein can be used as an insulating material in footwear, clothing or shelters because of its thick blanket of leaves.
- Natural dye source: Mullein flowers and leaves can be used to produce greenish-yellow to dark yellow dyes for coloring fabrics and other materials.
- Fire-starting aid: The fine hairs on mullein leaves are highly flammable and useful as tinder when starting fires in survival situations.
- Horticultural fleece substitute: The leaves of mullein can be layered over plants to protect them from frost as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic garden fleece.
- Footwear padding: The soft leaves of mullein were historically used to pad shoes for extra comfort and warmth.
- Livestock feed: While not commonly used, mullein can be a supplemental feed for goats and other livestock, especially when other resources are scarce.
- Indicator species: Mullein often grows in disturbed soils and its presence can indicate soil conditions and previous land use to ecologists and farmers.
- Toy making: The fuzzy leaves and stems can be used as parts in homemade toys for children, such as natural dolls.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Mullein is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Mullein is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as Mullein, has been used in traditional medicine for its purported healing properties, especially for respiratory ailments.
- Protection: Due to its fuzzy leaves and tall stature, Mullein is symbolically used to represent protection and to ward off evil spirits.
- Love Divination: In some folk cultures, Mullein is employed in rituals to divine the future of relationships and to attract love.
- Courage: Mullein stands tall and straight, which can be taken as a symbol of courage and resilience.
- Purity: The bright yellow flowers of Mullein are sometimes associated with purity and cleansing.

💧

Infrequent

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Seldom

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Common mullein, or Verbascum thapsus, is a plant that tolerates dry conditions and prefers a less frequent watering schedule to prevent root rot. Water the plant deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings, which typically means watering every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the climate and weather conditions. When watering, use about 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants to ensure it reaches the deep roots. During the growing season, keep a more regular watering schedule, reducing frequency in the winter months or when the plant is dormant.
Light
Common mullein thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth may not be as robust. The best spot for common mullein is an open area where it can bask in unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, as this will promote the best flowering and growth.
Temperature
For common mullein, a wide temperature range is tolerable, with an ideal growing range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive at temperatures as low as freezing and is hardy up to USDA zones 7 to 11. Common mullein can endure frost, but consistent temperatures below freezing may harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning common mullein primarily consists of deadheading spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding, which can be done throughout the blooming season. Additionally, cutting back the plant after flowering can help maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for more extensive pruning is late fall or early spring, where you can remove old growth to make way for new shoots.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) prefers a well-draining soil mix with sandy or rocky components and a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. A simple mix could consist of equal parts sand, loam, and small gravel or perlite. This soil structure mimics its native habitat, providing the drainage that mullein needs to thrive.
Repotting
Common mullein is a biennial that does not typically require repotting as it is often grown as an annual. After the second year, when it has flowered and set seed, the plant usually dies out. When grown in containers, it may be repotted in spring if it has outgrown its current pot.
Humidity & Misting
The common mullein is not demanding regarding humidity and can tolerate a wide range, making it well-suited for the generally lower humidity found in most home environments. It thrives in dry conditions, which closely match its natural habitat.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot; water when soil feels dry.
- Outdoor
  Choose a sunny location; drought tolerant once established.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Commonly known as common mullein, Verbascum thapsus, starts its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding suitable environment germinates, typically in spring, growing into a rosette of oval, woolly leaves its first year, focusing on root and foliage development. The plant undergoes vernalization during the winter, which is a cold period necessary for flowering to occur. In its second year, a tall flower spike shoots up, sometimes reaching up to 2 meters, where yellow flowers sequentially bloom over the summer. These flowers are pollinated by insects, after which they develop into capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. After seed dispersal, which can be facilitated by wind or animal movement, the parent plant completes its biennial life cycle and dies. The dispersed seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years, waiting for conditions favorable for germination, continuing the cycle of the common mullein.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagation for Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is by seed. The best time to sow Mullein seeds is in late winter or early spring, as they require a period of cold to break dormancy, a process known as stratification. To propagate by seeds, sprinkle them on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and barely cover with soil as they need light to germinate. Consistently maintain moisture but avoid waterlogging. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks at a temperature between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be thinned out and planted outside after the danger of frost has passed. It's important to select a sunny location with well-drained soil for the transplanting to ensure the best growth for Mullein.