Mullein, Common
Verbascum thapsus
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Biennial. Native to central and southern Europe, west Asia.
This is the best species of Mullein to use for leaf production. The
leaves are large and downy, drooping like the ears of a Nubian goat.
They are so well protected against dehydration that after harvest they
take many days to dry, even if subjected to forced air and heat.
Curiously enough, they are used medicinally as tea or tincture for moistening
mucous membranes and are therefore a great soothing agent for the throat,
bronchii and lungs. In Appalachia, the leaves are still smoked to
relieve asthma, a contraindication of carrier and agent, but purportedly
effective nonetheless. Cultivation: Extra care. Light-dependent
germinator. Sow seed on surface of disturbed soil or on surface of
flat. Compact down hard. Seedlings transplant well and require
little care past occasional watering when they are young. Tolerates
poor, gravelly soil and fierce sun. Plant 1 foot apart. Flowers
in the second year, from 3 to 7 feet. Not for sale to SD or WA states.
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