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Great Mullein Wikimedia Commons
Scrophulariaceae

Great Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

protection.

Family
Scrophulariaceae
Genus
Verbascum
Native to
Europe, Asia, North Africa
Bloom season
Summer
Type
biennial
Height
3-7 feet
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, poor to average
Water
low
Hardiness
3-9
Lifespan
biennial

Did you know

  • The tall flower spike of great mullein can contain up to 700 individual yellow flowers.
  • Roman soldiers dipped mullein stalks in tallow to use as torches, giving it the nickname 'candlewick plant.'
  • The large, fuzzy leaves were historically placed inside shoes for insulation during cold weather.
  • Mullein has been used in folk medicine for over 2,000 years, primarily for respiratory ailments.
  • A single great mullein plant can produce up to 180,000 seeds that remain viable in soil for over 100 years.

Color meanings

0

courage

1

protection

2

good health

Uses

  • medicinal
  • herbal tea
  • torches
  • ornamental