Mullein

Mullein is a genus of flowering plants in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae. They are known for their traditional medicinal uses, though they are also often grown for their ornamental value. The most well-known species is Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as common mullein or great mullein.

Description

Mullein plants are biennial or perennial plants, and they are easily recognizable by their tall, erect flowering stems. They can grow up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are spirally arranged, often densely hairy, though the amount of hairiness can vary between species. The flowers are zygomorphic and produce a five-lobed corolla (flower petal).

Distribution and Habitat

Mullein is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and 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 often an early colonizer of bare and disturbed soil.

Uses

Mullein has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The leaves, flowers and roots of the plant are used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, diarrhea, asthma, coughs and other lung-related ailments. It is also used as a flavoring ingredient in alcoholic beverages.

Cultivation

Mullein is a relatively easy plant to grow. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate a range of soil conditions. The seeds should be sown in the spring or fall, and the plants should be spaced about 30 to 60 cm apart.

Species

There are about 360 species of mullein, including:

• Verbascum thapsus - Common Mullein
• Verbascum phoeniceum - Purple Mullein
• Verbascum blattaria - Moth Mullein
• Verbascum nigrum - Dark Mullein
• Verbascum sinuatum - Wavyleaf Mullein