Great toe

Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a species of mullein native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and introduced in the Americas and Australia. It is a hairy biennial plant that can grow to 2 m tall or more. Its small, yellow flowers are densely grouped on a large terminal inflorescence, and its large, woolly leaves form a basal rosette.

Description

Great Mullein is a biennial plant that produces a rosette of leaves in its first year of growth. The leaves are large, up to 50 cm long. The second year plants normally produce a single unbranched stem. The tall, pole-like stem ends in a dense spike of yellow flowers that can be up to 30 cm long.

Distribution and habitat

Great Mullein is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. It has been introduced in the Americas and Australia. It grows in a wide variety of habitats, but prefers well-lit, disturbed soils, where it can appear soon after the ground receives light, from long-lived seeds that persist in the soil seed bank. It is a common weedy plant that spreads by prolifically producing seeds.

Uses

Historically, the plant was often used for medicinal purposes. The leaves were used for issues such as coughs, bronchitis, and inflammation. The flowers were used for their soothing and sedative properties. However, the plant is also considered a weed in some areas.

Cultivation

Great Mullein is easily grown from seed, and is a biennial that requires two years to complete its life cycle. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

See also

• Mullein
• Verbascum

This flora-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.