Woolly Mullein Verbascum dumulosum

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Verbascum dumulosum, commonly known as the woolly mullein, presents a striking appearance with its distinctive foliage and flowering structures. The leaves of this plant are broad and somewhat wavy, with a texture resembling that of soft felt. Their color is generally a silvery-green, and they form a rosette shape at the base of the plant, from which emerges a flower spike. The flowers themselves are quite showy, arranged in a dense, elongated cluster along the spike. Each individual bloom features a five-petaled structure, usually in a creamy yellow hue that contrasts nicely against the foliage. The center of the flowers holds a group of stamens with filamentous, purple-colored hairs, which add an extra touch of texture and visual interest to the plant.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Scrophulariaceae
- Synonyms
  Bushy Mullein
- Common names
  Verbascum dumulosum.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Verbascum dumulosum is a species belonging to the genus Verbascum, commonly known as mullein. There are numerous species of mullein, and they are not typically known for being toxic to humans. Most parts of mullein plants have been used historically in various traditional medicines. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions can occur. Ingestion of mullein in large quantities could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high fiber content. It's important to follow advice from medical professionals and use caution when utilizing plants for medicinal purposes. If toxicity is a concern, symptoms of potential mullein poisoning could include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with mullein's fine hairs may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If a suspected poisoning occurs, it's imperative to seek medical attention.
- To pets
  Verbascum dumulosum, commonly referred to as mullein in the genus it belongs to, is not well-documented as being toxic to pets. However, similar to humans, each animal can have individual sensitivities and allergic reactions to plants. Mullein is fibrous, and ingestion of large amounts by pets could potentially lead to digestive upset. Symptoms of possible mullein ingestion might include vomiting or diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. Additionally, the fine hairs found on many parts of the plant could potentially cause irritation if they come into contact with a pet's skin or mucous membranes. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a mullein plant and is showing adverse symptoms, it's advisable to contact a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Biennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  3 feet 0.91 meters
- Spread
  1 foot 0.3 meters
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Decorative landscape plant: Verbascum dumulosum, commonly known as mullein, adds visual interest to a garden with its tall spikes of flowers and rosettes of leaves.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the mullein are known to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, mullein is quite drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for xeriscaping or gardens in arid regions.
- Low maintenance: Mullein requires minimal care once it has been established, making it suitable for gardeners looking for plants that do not need constant attention.
- Soil improvement: Mullein has deep roots that can break up compacted soil, potentially improving soil structure and nutrient availability for other plants.
- Wildlife habitat: The structure of mullein plants can provide shelter for small wildlife, such as insects and birds, contributing to a diverse and healthy ecosystem.
Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: Verbascum dumulosum may possess compounds that help reduce inflammation.
- Antibacterial: The plant could have substances with the ability to combat bacterial infections.
- Antitussive: It might be used in traditional medicine to alleviate coughing.
- Demulcent: Verbascum dumulosum may have a soothing effect on irritated or inflamed tissue.
- Expectorant: The plant could encourage the clearing of mucus from the airways.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Dye Production: The flowers of Verbascum dumulosum, commonly known as Mullein, can be used to create natural dyes in various shades depending on the mordant used.
- Candle Making: The dried stalks of Mullein can be dipped in wax to make traditional torches or candles that burn slowly.
- Fish Sedative: Mullein seeds contain a compound that can be used as a fish sedative, making it easier to catch fish by hand in survival situations.
- Natural Insulation: The fluffy, fibrous leaves of the plant can be used as a natural insulator in clothing or as stuffing in pillows and mattresses.
- Erosion Control: Mullein has a deep root system that can help in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on hillsides and in areas with loose soil.
- Tinder Material: The dry leaves and stalks of Mullein are excellent materials for starting fires as they catch flame quickly.
- Natural Insecticide: The leaves of the Mullein plant are sometimes used to repel insects in natural gardening practices.
- Waterproofing Aid: The waxy coating on Mullein leaves can be used to help waterproof homemade cloth or canvas.
- Vegetable Companion Plant: Mullein is believed to deter some pests in the garden, making it a suitable companion plant for certain vegetables.
- Livestock Bedding: Dried Mullein leaves can be used as bedding for chickens and other livestock due to their soft and absorbent nature.

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 dumulosum, commonly known as Mullein, has been used historically in herbal medicine for its purported healing properties, particularly in treating respiratory ailments.
- Protection: Mullein is sometimes associated with protective qualities, as it was believed to ward off evil spirits when used in folk magic practices.
- Courage: The sturdy stalk of Mullein can be symbolic of courage and resilience, standing tall and firm against adversity.
- Love: In some traditions, Mullein was thought to be a plant that could ensure love and fidelity, often used in love spells.
- Purification: With its history in medicinal applications, Mullein is also seen as a symbol of cleansing and purifying the body and spirit.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
The Mullein, commonly referred to as Verbascum dumulosum, prefers a moderate amount of water. Aim to water the plant thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate deep into the soil, which encourages deep root growth. This should be done approximately once a week, but always check the top inch of the soil first; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, you might need approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water each week during the growing season. In the cooler months, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture.
Light
Mullein thrives best in full sun conditions. Ensure it's planted or positioned in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you keep it indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can get plenty of light.
Temperature
Mullein is quite tolerant of temperature variations and can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, maintain an environment that ranges between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the Mullein in areas with drastic temperature changes or cold drafts.
Pruning
Pruning Mullein is necessary to remove spent flowers and to maintain plant shape. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded blooms, encourages more flowering. Prune Mullein in late fall or early spring. It is best to prune lightly, just enough to tidy up the plant and to remove any damaged or diseased foliage.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Chunky Mullein prefers a well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0-7.0. A mixture of loam, sand, and a small amount of organic compost works well to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability.
Repotting
Chunky Mullein should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring just before new growth begins.
Humidity & Misting
Chunky Mullein is not humidity-dependent and thrives in low to average room humidity levels.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Chunky Mullein in bright light and well-draining soil indoors.
- Outdoor
  Plant Chunky Mullein in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
Verbascum dumulosum, commonly known as the woolly mullein, typically begins its life cycle as a seed, lying dormant until conditions are right for germination. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops a rosette of basally arranged leaves in its first year, entering a vegetative state where it focuses on growth and nutrient accumulation. In the subsequent year or years, the plant will bolt, sending up a flowering stalk from the center of the rosette. The flowers, which are yellow, will bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators and subsequently setting seed for the next generation. Once seed production is complete, the plant will often die back, completing its biennial life cycle. Seeds may lie dormant for an extended period before the cycle begins anew with favorable environmental conditions.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Verbascum dumulosum, commonly known as Mullein, is through seed sowing. Seeds can be directly sown into a well-draining soil medium in spring after the last frost. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be only lightly covered or pressed into the soil without being buried. Maintain a consistent moisture level during germination without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. It typically takes about two to three weeks for germination to occur at temperatures around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to give each plant enough space to grow. Mullein adapts well to different soil types but will perform best in a sunny spot with dry to medium moisture soil conditions.