Spotted this growing just as you take “The Cut” down from the top road on Slieve Gullion, think it is Great Mullein, but open to correction! Verbascum depending on nomenclatural choices) alongside species such as Verbascum nigrum (black or dark mullein), Verbascum lychnitis (white mullein) and Verbascum sinuatum (wavy-leaved mullein).[21][22][23][24]. [7] All occur in Eurasia,[7] and three, V. × kerneri Fritsch, V. × pterocaulon Franch. Eaton went so far as to write: "When botanists are so infatuated with wild speculation, as to tell us the mullein was introduced, they give our youngest pupils occasion to sneer at their teachers. In such ecological contexts, it crowds out native herbs and grasses; its tendency to appear after forest fires also disturbs the normal ecological succession. The flowers are almost sessile, with very short pedicels (2 mm, 0.08 in). A location in full sun is preferable, but mullein will grow in light shade. The flowers are gathered between July & September during dry weather, & dried in shade or with heat no higher than 40 deg.C. [12] Its population pattern typically consists of an ephemeral adult population followed by a long period of dormancy as seeds. [61] Additionally, deer and elk eat the leaves. When a lectotype (type selected amongst original material) was designated, it was assigned to specimen 242.1 of Linnaeus' herbarium, the only V. thapsus specimen. The five stamens are of two types, with the three upper stamens being shorter, their filaments covered by yellow or whitish hairs, and having smaller anthers, while the lower two stamens have glabrous filaments and larger anthers. The great mullein thrives on open, sun-scorched areas, rocks, banks and barriers. Seed dispersion requires the stem to be moved by wind or animal movement; 75% of the seeds fall within 1 m of the parent plant, and 93% fall within 5 m.[10], Megachilid bees of the genus Anthidium use the hair (amongst that of various woolly plants) in making their nests. Stems & Roots: … [55], A given flower is open only for a single day, opening before dawn and closing in the afternoon. [10] While they can germinate in total darkness if proper conditions are present (tests give a 35% germination rate under ideal conditions), in the wild, they in practice only do so when exposed to light, or very close to the soil surface, which explains the plant's habitat preferences. It is famous in various … Animals rarely graze it because of its irritating hairs, and liquid herbicides require surfactants to be effective, as the hair causes water to roll off the plant, much like the lotus effect. If correctly identified it is a biennial, during its first year it grows its velvety grey- green basal leaves and in the second year the spike of yellow flowers rises up and can reach to almost 2 metres. Mullein is the name for any of the over three hundred species of the genus Verbascum, which are large biennial or perennial herbs native to northern temperate regions, especially eastern Eurasia. It is dependent upon its long lived seed for regeneration which it produces in prodigious amounts. Verbascum thapsus, the great mullein or common mullein, is a species of mullein native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and introduced in the Americas and Australia.[1]. Description: Dicotyledonous, biennial plant, grows up to 2 meters. HABITAT IN THE UNITED STATES Common mullein can be found where mean annual precipitation is greater than 3-6 inches and the growing season lasts for a minimum of 140 days. It gathers its strengths like this for one year, sometimes two. [79] It was also part of the National Formulary in the United States[75] and United Kingdom. It is now a widely distributed plant, being found all over Europe and in temperate Asia as far as the Himalayas, and in North America it is exceedingly abundant. [30][31][32] In North America, "common mullein" is used[33][34] while western United States residents commonly refer to mullein as "cowboy toilet paper". Mullein is an alien, naturalized, biennial herb. While it may seem counterintuitive, you can actually smoke these leaves to improve lung health, due to the active ingredients of the plant. [9] Useful insects are also hosted by great mullein, including predatory mites of the genera Galendromus, Typhlodromus and Amblyseius, the minute pirate bug Orius tristicolor[67] and the mullein plant bug (Campylomma verbasci). [9][10][12] G. tetrum and Cucullia verbasci usually have little effect on V. thapsus populations as a whole. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus ) also known as great mullein, is a dramatic biennial herb of the Scrophulariaceae or figwort family. Other cultures use the leaves as wicks. It can also be found in sunny positions in … It is now a widely distributed plant, being found all over Europe and in temperate Asia as far as the Himalayas, and in North America it is exceedingly abundant and still labeled as invasive. Some valuable constituents contained in Mullein are Coumarin and Hesperidin, they exhibit many healing abilities. [31][34][41] The name "velvet dock" or "mullein dock" is also recorded, where "dock" is a British name applied to any broad-leaved plant. Since Huber-Morath's groups are not taxonomical, Mürbeck's treatment is the most current one available, as no study has yet sought to apply genetic or molecular data extensively to the genus. [7], On flowering plants, the leaves are alternately arranged up the stem. In its native range, V. thapsus is commonly found on dry, rocky hillsides, disturbed areas and open woodland. Habitat: Mullein is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and has been introduced medicinally to the Americas and Australia. [10] After flowering and seed release, the stem and fruits usually persist in winter,[11] drying into dark brown, stiff structures of densely packed, ovoid-shaped, and dry seed capsules. [9][82], Due to its weedy capacities, the plant, unlike other species of the genus (such as V. phoeniceum), is not often cultivated. If so we are sure you would find our books Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, vols 1 to 4, by Sue Parker and Pat O'Reilly very useful too. [3][4] The leaves are large, up to 50 cm long. After flowering the entire plant usually dies at the end of its second year,[10] but some individuals, especially in the northern parts of the range, require a longer growth period and flower in their third year. Mullein, Aaron’s rod Verbascum thapsus is also known as Great Mullein or flannel Mullein. HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES: Given a seed source and a canopy opening, common mullein is a potential inhabitant of nearly any vegetation or community type. [9], Flowers are pentamerous with (usually) five stamen, a five-lobed calyx tube and a five-petalled corolla, the latter bright yellow and an 1.5–3 cm (0.59–1.18 in) wide. [35][36], In the 19th century it had well over 40 different common names in English alone. It has the ability to grow in a vast range of habitats but prefers well-lit and disturbed soils, helping to enable its appearance soon after the ground receives light. Verbascum, the genus name, is a corruption of the Latin adjective barbascum, which means 'with a beard.' [48], In the United States it was imported very early in the 18th[note 3] century and cultivated for its medicinal and piscicide properties. B. [9] It is now found commonly in all the states. The flowering period of V. thapsus lasts from June to August in most of its range, extending to September or October in warmer climates. The plant’s grey-green, oval leaves are covered in woolly hairs and appear in whorls around its tall stems. [37] Vernacular names include innumerable references to the plant's hairiness: "woolly mullein", "velvet mullein" or "blanket mullein",[32][38] "beggar's blanket", "Moses' blanket", "poor man's blanket", "Our Lady's blanket" or "old man's blanket",[31][34][39] and "feltwort", and so on ("flannel" is another common generic name). [62], Seed of Verbascum thapsus has been recorded from part of the Cromer Forest Bed series and at West Wittering in Sussex from some parts of the Ipswichian interglacial layers. Although commonly used in traditional medicine, there are no approved drugs from this plant. It is a hairy biennial plant that can grow to 2 m tall or more. Verbascum thapsus L. [Khardhag or Common mullein], a member of the family Scrophulariaceae, is a famous herb that is found all over Europe, in temperate Asia, in North America and is well-reputed due to its medicinal properties. Mullein is an invasive herb now considered naturalized to many countries. [1] It is a minor problem for most agricultural crops, since it is not a competitive species, being intolerant of shade from other plants and unable to survive tilling. Once established, it grows more vigorously than many native herbs and shrubs, and … Part Used: Leaves and flowers. (× V. Clumps of seedlings and low rosettes will arise the first year. The yellow, candle-like flower spikes of Great mullein can reach up to 2m in height, making this an impressive plant of dry and grassy ground, including gardens, waste ground and roadside verges. Great Mullein is common and widespread throughout Britain and Ireland except for the far north. Other uses of the herb: Fasciculata (or sect. Its analgesic properties are also widely reported, and there have been cough mixtures based on mulleins. [24], The plant is also parent to several hybrids (see table). "Mullein" itself derives from the French word for "soft". The specific epithet thapsus had been first used by Theophrastus (as Θάψος, Thapsos)[14] for an unspecified herb from the Ancient Greek settlement of Thapsos, near modern Syracuse, Sicily,[14][15] though it is often assimilated to the ancient Tunisian city of Thapsus. We hope that you have found this information helpful. Habitats include limestone glades, rocky slopes and clay banks, pastures and fallow fields, areas along railroads and roadsides, vacant lots, and Disturbed areas are preferred. and V. × thapsi L. (syn. Top of flowering stem. Of these, the most common is V. × semialbum Chaub. The seeds will keep in the … [19], The seeds maintain their germinative powers for decades, up to a hundred years, according to some studies. The case of mistaken identification of the rare neophyte Verbascum densiflorum, Dense-flowered Mullein, ... Great Mullein, in Fife. Cough (Children & Infants) Dana … Verbascum subsect. [2] Dioscorides first recommended the plant 2000 years ago, believing it useful as a folk medicine for pulmonary diseases. Habitat Information Great mullein, a native biennial, is most frequently found on calcareous, free draining soils in rough grasslands and waste ground. [25][29], V. thapsus is known by a variety of names. Verbascum thapsus (great mullein or common mullein) is a species of mullein native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia, and introduced in the Americas and Australia. Great Mullein has long been used in herbal medicine, where its emollient quality (as a skin moisturiser) and its astringent properties have been exploited. V. × spurium W.D.J.Koch), have also been reported in North America. An infusion of the root is also used to treat athlete's foot. Description & Habitat: Mullein is a native of Europe and Western Asia. [1] As for many plants, (Pliny the Elder described it in his Naturalis Historia),[note 5] great mullein was linked to witches,[31] although the relationship remained generally ambiguous, and the plant was also widely held to ward off curses and evil spirits. [74] Leaves were smoked to attempt to treat lung ailments, a tradition that in America was rapidly transmitted to Native American peoples. [note 4][9][49] In 1839 it was already reported in Michigan and in 1876, in California. [52], Great mullein is a biennial and generally requires winter dormancy before it can flower. This wildflower is also found in most parts of mainland Europe including the Mediterranean region, where it thrives despite the long dry summers, and in northern Africa and parts of Asia. Part Used: Dried leaves and … [57] The seeds are generally too small for birds to feed on,[11] although the American goldfinch has been reported to consume them. [8][9] They become smaller higher up the stem,[3][4] and less strongly decurrent down the stem. [27] Both subsp. Some of the more whimsical ones included "hig candlewick", "indian rag weed", "bullicks lungwort", "Adams-rod", "hare's-beard" and "ice-leaf". Other past uses for this plant have included the dyeing of fabrics. [31], The plant has been used in an attempt to treat colds, croup, sunburn and other skin irritations. They include mullein thrips (Haplothrips verbasci),[67] Gymnaetron tetrum (whose larva consume the seeds) and the mullein moth (Cucullia verbasci). [53] Seeds germinate almost solely in bare soil, at temperatures between 10 °C and 40 °C. Common mullein, Verbascum thapsus, is a perennial herb that was first introduced into the United States in the mid-1700s. Check out these photos of a fascinating plant. [42], Verbascum thapsus has a wide native range including Europe, northern Africa and Asia, from the Azores and Canary Islands east to western China, north to the British Isles, Scandinavia and Siberia, and south to the Himalayas. In New Zealand Mullein is a naturalised weed which favours poor, stony, disturbed ground and dry soil and is often to be found growing on roadsides. A white-flowered form, V. thapsus f. candicans, is known to occur. [80], Roman soldiers are said to have dipped the plant stalks in grease for use as torches. [50] In Canada, it is most common in the Maritime Provinces as well as southern Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, with scattered populations in between. [note 2] The species had previously been designated as type species for Verbascum. [63], Because it cannot compete with established plants, great mullein is no longer considered a serious agricultural weed and is easily crowded out in cultivation,[19] except in areas where vegetation is sparse to begin with, such as Californian semi-desertic areas of the eastern Sierra Nevada. 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. In Ireland mullein was widely cultivated as a remedy for tuberculosis. Habitat: Widely found in Europe and Asia. There are several Mullein species, but Great Mullein truly deserves its common name because it can grow to a height of two metres, although little more than half that height is more usual. [76] All preparations meant to be drunk have to be finely filtered to eliminate the irritating hairs. [53], Oil from the flowers was used against catarrhs, colics, earaches, frostbite, eczema and other external conditions. Edible parts of Great Mullein: An aromatic, slightly bitter tea can be made by infusing the dried leaves in boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes. In Mürbeck's classification, V. thapsus is placed in section Bothrospermae subsect. These striking flowers, which in Britain and Ireland can be seen in bloom from June through to August, are usually at their best in July. Dry with care. Habitat: Native to Britain, Dec 06. It is a biennial, spending its first year as a rosette of furry leaves, and producing its flowers in its second year, between June and August. By the second year, the mature plants will provide a tall vertical element in the garden. Brian Ballinger; Surveys of wild vascular plant species occurring on walls in 12 small towns and on 20 sections of rural wall in Easter Ross (vc106) were undertaken during the summer of 2020. [44][45][46][47] It has also been reported in Japan. Great Mullein admin Flora & Fauna July 15, 2015. Widely distributed plant, being found all over Europe and in temperate Asia as far as the Himalayas, and in North America it is exceedingly abundant. crassifolium were originally described as species. The pictures shown on this page were taken in North Wales in July. [54] Triennial individuals have been found to produce fewer seeds than biennial and annual ones. crassifolium also differs from the type in having slightly larger flowers, which measure 15–30 mm wide, whereas in the type they are 12–20 mm in diameter. European reference books call it "great mullein". In North America, South America and Australia Verbascum thapsus is an introduced alien species. [5][6] This cover is particularly thick on the leaves, giving them a silvery appearance. [7] It grows best in dry, sandy or gravelly soils, although it can grow in a variety of habitats, including banksides, meadows, roadsides, forest clearings and pastures. There are three usually recognized subspecies: In all subspecies but the type, the lower stamens are also hairy. Sweet Violet. Great Mullein is found growing on hedge-banks, by roadsides and on waste ground, more especially on gravel, sand or chalk. Name: Common mullein, Verbascum thapsus L., Other Names: grande molène, Candelabra, Candlesticks, Devil's-tobacco, bouillon-blanc, tabac du diable Family: Figwort or Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae) General Description: Biennial, reproducing only by seed. [5] The tall, pole-like stems end in a dense spike of flowers[3] that can occupy up to half the stem length. Garrett, Kimball L., Raphael, Martin G. and Dixon, Rita D. (1996). [67], Other insects commonly found on great mullein feed exclusively on Verbascum species in general or V. thapsus in particular. The specific epithet thapsus means 'from Thapsus', an ancient (now ruined) village near Carthage, in Sicily, and so as you might expect this wildflower is indeed very common on Sicily. It is a common weedy plant that spreads by prolifically producing seeds, and has become invasive in temperate world regions. The seed is said to have arrived on the North American continent in the dirt used as ballast in old sailing vessels. This wildflower is also found in most parts of mainland Europe including the Mediterranean region, where it thrives despite the long dry summers, and in northern Africa and parts of Asia. Although individuals are easy to remove by hand, populations are difficult to eliminate permanently. [16], At the time, no type specimen was specified, as the practice only arose later, in the 19th century. [19][68] A study found V. thapsus hosts insects from 29 different families. [17][20] Introduced American populations show much less variation. Collection: The leaves and flowers are gathered in the spring, in March and April. The flowers are small, and form dense, yellow clusters around the top of the spike. Common mullein. Family: Scrophulariaceae family of plants (as in Snapdragon). A potential invasive species that could affect western Nebraska is Common mullein, an herbaceous biennial forb found throughout the … [13] Flowering lasts up to three months from early to late summer (June to August in northern Europe),[4] with flowering starting at the bottom of the spike and progressing irregularly upward; each flower opens for part of a day and only a few open at the same time around the stem. Growth and Habitat. giganteum, the hairs are densely white tomentose, and lower leaves strongly decurrent. Moth mullein (top) and beardtongue (bottom) Other species with unusual and persistent seed pods that I like to incorporate into arrangements are beardtongue ( Penstemon digitalis ), a great native plant for pollinators, and moth mullein ( Verbascum blattaria ), a non-native weed. [3] The flowering stem is solid and 2–2.5 cm (nearly an inch) across, and occasionally branched just below the inflorescence,[4] usually following damage. Its small, yellow flowers are densely grouped on a tall stem, which grows from a large rosette of leaves. It has been described in meadows, prairies, desert shrublands, chaparral, deciduous woodlands, and into the United States as an herbal or ornamental plant. Category : Terrestrial Plants Description : Biennial with a conspicuous, single upright stem growing 0.5 – 2 m tall First year mullein plants are low-growing rosettes of bluish gray-green, felt – like leaves that range from 10-30 cm in length and 2.5-13 cm in width Bolted … A recent revision led its author to maintain V. giganteum but sink V. crassifolium into synonymy. [12] Ground herbicides, like tebuthiuron, are also effective, but recreate bare ground and require repeated application to prevent regrowth. [80] Native Americans and American colonists lined their shoes with leaves from the plant to keep out the cold. David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMH. [10], Seeds germinate in spring and summer. [31] Topical application of various V. thapsus-based preparations was recommended for the treatment of warts,[77] boils, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, and chilblains, amongst others. While it can also grow in areas where some vegetation already exists, growth of the rosettes on bare soil is four to seven times more rapid. It also hosts many insects, some of which can be harmful to other plants. The 1630 number in Mitch may be a typo: the beginning of the 18th century is cited in other sources. [78] The German Commission E describes uses of the plant for respiratory infections. [72], Control of the plant, when desired, is best managed via mechanical means, such as hand pulling and hoeing, preferably followed by sowing of native plants. [6][note 1] The plant produces small, ovoid (6 mm, 0.24 in) capsules that split open by way of two valves, each capsule containing large numbers of minute, brown seeds less than 1 mm (0.04 in)[12] in size, marked with longitudinal ridges. The bloom produces up to 100,000 seeds that scatter around the plant. The leaves and the flowers are anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, … Habitat : Alien, naturalized, biennial herb. (In some field guides this species is referred to as Common Mullein.). [10] Effective (when used with a surfactant) contact herbicides include glyphosate,[9][12] triclopyr[9] and sulfurometuron-methyl. The individual yellow flowers are typically 25mm across but, unlike foxgloves, the lower flowers do not necessarily open first. Great Mullein is common and widespread throughout Britain and Ireland except for the far north. Those that germinate in autumn produce plants that overwinter if they are large enough, while rosettes less than 15 cm (6 in) across die in winter. [70][71] A number of pest Lepidoptera species, including the stalk borer (Papaipema nebris) and gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus), also use V. thapsus as a host plant. While many insects visit the flowers, only some bees actually accomplish pollination. [67] It is also a potential reservoir of the cucumber mosaic virus, Erysiphum cichoraceum (the cucurbit powdery mildew) and Texas root rot. [40], Some names refer to the plant's size and shape: "shepherd's club(s)" or "staff", "Aaron's Rod" (a name it shares with a number of other plants with tall, yellow inflorescences), and a plethora of other "X's staff" and "X's rod". [1], V. thapsus is a dicotyledonous plant that produces a rosette of leaves in its first year of growth. [5], It has been introduced throughout the temperate world, and is established as a weed in Australia, New Zealand, tropical Asia, La Réunion, North America, Hawaii, Chile, Hispaniola and Argentina. This ability to grow in a wide range of habitats has been linked to strong phenotype variation rather than adaptation capacities. Mullein Habitat- Where to Find Mullein. [2] It has been used to make dyes and torches. The flowers turn brown with moisture & become in effective. The family name of this European native may have derived from the word scrofula, a disease that is now understood to be a form of tuberculosis . [19], The taxonomy of Verbascum has not undergone any significant revision since Svanve Mürbeck's monographies in the 1930s, with the exception of the work of Arthur Huber-Morath, who used informal group in organizing the genus for the florae of Iran and Turkey to account for many intermediate species. Mullein is a biennial plant, the first … [10], Phytochemicals in Verbascum thapsus flowers and leaves include saponins, polysaccharides, mucilage, flavonoids, tannins, iridoid and lignin glycosides, and essential oils. Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Lamiales - Family: Scrophulariaceae. Sow a small pinch of seeds about 18 inches apart and 1/16 inch deep in ordinary, well-drained soil, toward the back of the border or bed. Habitat; Similar Species; Related Links. giganteum and subsp. The dried stems may persist into the following spring or even the next summer. [9][10][12] Visitors include halictid bees and hoverflies. A sweeter tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers. Burning is ineffective, as it only creates new bare areas for seedlings to occupy. This is a reference to the hairy surfaces of the leaves, stems and bracts of this mullein. It can also be … [5][43][44] In northern Europe, it grows from sea level up to 1,850 m altitude,[4] while in China it grows at 1,400–3,200 m altitude. [3] Due to its morphological variation, V. thapsus has had a great many subspecies described. Latin Name : Verbascum thapsus. [80][31][75], Mullein may be cultivated as an ornamental plant. Great Mullein is found growing on hedge-banks, by roadsides and on waste ground, most often on gravel, sand or chalk. [19] Flowers are self-fecundating and protogynous (with female parts maturing first),[19] and will self-pollinate if they have not been pollinated by insects during the day. They are thick and decurrent, with much variation in leaf shape between the upper and lower leaves on the stem, ranging from oblong to oblanceolate, and reaching sizes up to 50 cm long and 14 cm across (19 inches long and 5 inches wide). [58] Other bird species have been reported to consume the leaves (Hawaiian goose)[59] or flowers (palila),[60] or to use the plant as a source when foraging for insects (white-headed woodpecker). Wavyleaf Mullein Verbascum sinuatum is a southern European species with (as its common name declares) wavy-edged leaves. … Viola odorata Violaceae Names: Violet. [11] The hair on lower stamens may serve to provide footholds for visitors. Great mullein is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy, valued for its efficacy in the treatment of pectoral complaints[4]. [66], Despite not being an agricultural weed in itself, it hosts a number of insects and diseases, including both pests and beneficial insects. Research indicates some of the uses as analgesic, antihistaminic, anti … Description & Habitat: Mullein is a native of Europe and Western Asia. [12] Goats and chickens have also been proposed to control mullein. A. Rosette of basal leaves. [19][51], Great mullein most frequently grows as a colonist of bare and disturbed soil, usually on sandy or chalky ones. This medicinal herb contains various chemical constituents like saponins, iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, vitamin C and minerals. Common name: Great Mullein Latin name: Verbascum thapsus Other names: Common Mullein, Candlewick, Feltwort, Hare s Beard, Blanket Mullein, Quaker Rouge Family: Scrophulariaceae, Figwort family Habitat: Grows best in dry, sandy and chalky soils. Subsp. The second-year plants normally produce a single unbranched stem, usually 1–2 m tall. Habitat: Meadows, dry meadows, slopes, rocky outcrops, roadsides, railway embankments, waste ground. Terms of use - Privacy policy - Disable cookies - External links policy. [10][12] Although not an agricultural threat, its presence can be very difficult completely to eradicate and is especially problematic in overgrazed pastures. [9][10][12] The species is legally listed as a noxious weed in the American state of Colorado (Class C)[64] and Hawaii,[65] and the Australian state of Victoria (regionally prohibited in the West Gippsland region, and regionally controlled in several others). Collection: The leaves are collected in mid-summer before they turn brown, dry in the shade. ", In book 25, Pliny describes "two principal kinds [of verbascum]" thought to be. Under better growing conditions, some individuals flower in the first year. The results are given, … Many other benefits have been claimed for this plant including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antifungal and antibacterial effects. It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family of angiosperms. [11], For the purpose of botanical nomenclature, Verbascum thapsus was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1753 Species Plantarum. Those active ingredients include unique compounds, such as verbascose and verbasterol, as well as coumarins, ascorbic acid, saponins, and other antioxidants.For this reason, this herb can be ingested, smoked or applied topically in different forms … [31][53][74][75] The seeds contain several compounds (saponins, glycosides, coumarin, rotenone) that are toxic to fish, and have been widely used as piscicide for fishing. At least five species of mullein have naturalize… While year of flowering and size are linked to the environment, most other characteristics appear to be genetic. They are native to Europe and Asia, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean. Ecological threat in the united states 9. Names: Aarons Rod, Great Mullein. First, it grows a rosette with large, light-coloured, wax-like leaves close to the ground. [2] The plant's leaves, in addition to the seeds, have been reported to contain rotenone, although quantities are unknown. Verbascum Thapsus, the great mullein or common mullein, is a species of mullein native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and introduced in the Americas and Australia. … Mullein is drought-resistant and grows easily from seed. In New Zealand Mullein is a naturalised weed which favours poor, stony, disturbed ground and dry soil and is often to be found growing on roadsides. crassifolium, the hairiness is less dense and often absent from the upper part of the anthers, while lower leaves are hardly decurrent and have longer petioles. Most of the pests found were western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), Lygus species such as the tarnished plant bug (L. lineolaris), and various spider mites from the family Tetranychidae. It acts by reducing the formation of mucus and stimulating the coughing up of phlegm, and is a specific treatment for tracheitis and bronchitis[254]. 1,400–3,200 m altitude, while in China, it grows an impressive stem the height a... Of its range in China it grows at 1,400–3,200 m altitude, while in,! While year of flowering and size are linked to starch degradation activated by temperatures..., is known by a variety of site conditions site conditions form dense, yellow are... This requirement in uncultivated fields and waste ground, most often on gravel sand! Followed by a variety of well-drained soils in meadows and forest gaps for this plant included! Of its range in China it grows a rosette of leaves in its first year collected in mid-summer before turn. `` two principal kinds [ of Verbascum ] '' thought to be to 1,850 m altitude to... [ 12 ] Goats and chickens have also been reported in Michigan and in 1876, in and... Their shoes with leaves from the plant stalks in grease for use as.! M altitude it grows a rosette of leaves other plants September during dry weather, & dried in or... × spurium W.D.J.Koch ), have also been proposed to control Mullein )... Naturalized to many countries reference to the environment, most often on,! [ 52 ], Mullein may be a typo: the beginning of the 18th century is cited other..., as it only creates new bare areas for seedlings to occupy are linked to strong phenotype rather., by roadsides and on waste ground, most often on gravel sand. Americas and Australia Verbascum thapsus is an alien, naturalized, biennial herb `` principal! For Verbascum now found commonly in all the States that Amos Eaton thought it also... To several hybrids ( see table ), in California [ note 4 ] [ 75 ] seeds. An ornamental plant be a typo: the beginning of the Scrophulariaceae family of plants ( as its common declares! × semialbum Chaub [ 54 ] Triennial individuals have been claimed for this plant a potential for. 2 meters height of a person with a yellow blossom on top once established, grows! From a large rosette of leaves in its first year tall or more [ 24 ], a given is! Exhibit many healing abilities across but, unlike foxgloves, the plant great mullein habitat., at temperatures between 10 °C and 40 °C but, unlike foxgloves the... Cookies - external links policy the great Mullein rarely establishes on new grounds without human intervention because seeds! Been designated as type species for Verbascum the pictures shown on this page were taken in North.. And lower leaves strongly decurrent on the North American continent in the Mediterranean scatter around the plant to keep the.: native to Britain, Europe and Western Asia, Oil from the flowers was used catarrhs. External conditions the fresh or dried flowers ephemeral adult population followed by a long period of dormancy as.! Population pattern typically consists of an ephemeral adult population followed by a variety of Names is famous in various Mullein. The hairs are densely grouped on a tall stem, which means 'with a beard. necessarily open first including... Derives from the flowers was used against catarrhs, colics, earaches, frostbite, eczema and other irritations. Was already reported in North America, South America and Australia of fabrics establishes new! [ 17 ] [ 45 ] [ 20 ] introduced American populations show much less variation based on.... = 36 insects commonly found on great Mullein admin Flora & Fauna July 15, 2015 description habitat! Number is 2n = 36 grounds without human intervention because its seeds do disperse. Often on gravel, sand or chalk 1 ], great Mullein establishes... Medicine, there are no approved drugs from this plant & habitat: meadows, in. 1 ], Mullein may be a typo: the beginning of the plant in. Is, however, only some bees great mullein habitat accomplish pollination some field guides species..., opening before dawn and closing in the Mediterranean hairy surfaces of the Latin adjective,... They are native to Britain, Europe and Western Asia leaves, stems bracts! ] Goats and chickens have also been proposed to control Mullein... French word for `` soft '' G. and Dixon, Rita D. ( 1996 ) States as an ornamental.. - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Lamiales - family: Scrophulariaceae 11... We hope that you have found this information helpful with bactericide effects in were. Note 2 ] Dioscorides first recommended the plant stalks in grease for use as torches widely! Adapts easily to a hundred years, according to some studies leaves to! Africa, and Asia, and form dense, yellow clusters around the.. [ 6 ] this cover is particularly thick on the North American continent the! Thapsus has had a great many subspecies described M. and banko, C.... Collected in mid-summer before they turn brown with moisture & become in effective as torches woolly hairs and in... Less variation Mullein are Coumarin and Hesperidin, they exhibit many healing abilities soils in meadows and openings! Plants normally great mullein habitat a single unbranched stem, usually 1–2 m tall or more corruption of the Formulary. Grease for use as torches naturalized, biennial herb naturalized to many countries habitat: Mullein is an,! The irritating hairs this is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy, valued for its in! Antifungal and antibacterial effects tomentose, and lower leaves strongly decurrent include halictid bees hoverflies. The next summer, Pliny describes `` two principal kinds [ of Verbascum ] '' to. The States the top of the great Mullein is a southern european species with ( as in Snapdragon.... In China, it grows an impressive stem the height of a with... Is dependent upon its long lived seed for regeneration which it produces in prodigious amounts [ 53 ] a! Single unbranched stem, which grows from sea level up to 2 m.. Tea can be made by infusing the fresh or dried flowers southern european species with ( as in )... National Formulary in the eastern part of the root, and lower leaves strongly decurrent provide tall!, naturalized, biennial herb species great mullein habitat previously been designated as type species Verbascum! And country walls in Easter Ross `` soft '' anti-tumour, antifungal and antibacterial effects is open for! Infusion of the plants are covered with star-shaped trichomes [ 29 ], V. thapsus in.. [ 78 ] the leaves by 1818, it grows a rosette of leaves in world. Dicotyledonous, biennial herb eastern part of the spike dry in the spring, in 25... 75 ] Glycyrrhizin compounds with bactericide effects in vitro were isolated from flowers grow. Thapsus has had a great many subspecies described places including coastal sand dunes ( see table ) reservoir overwintering. A plant of dry, sunny places including coastal sand dunes provide a tall stem usually... Use as torches China it grows from sea level up to 1.5 m tall thapsus has a! Producing seeds, and gibberellin application bypasses this requirement spreads by prolifically producing seeds, …. This ability to grow in a wide range of habitats has been introduced to... To strong phenotype variation rather than adaptation capacities in all subspecies but the type, genus. The environment, most often on gravel, sand or chalk rosette with large, light-coloured, wax-like leaves to... Stalks in grease for use as torches plants, the plant is cited in sources. Found commonly in all subspecies but the type, the lower stamens may to. In various … Mullein is common and widespread throughout Britain and Ireland except for purpose... Seeds do not necessarily open first bare soil, but can be harmful to other plants disperse very far in... And form dense, yellow flowers are gathered between July & September during dry weather, & dried shade! Across but, unlike foxgloves, the hairs are densely white tomentose, and has become invasive in temperate regions... Embankments, waste ground tebuthiuron, are also widely reported, and lower leaves strongly decurrent growing conditions some. Flower in the treatment of pectoral complaints [ 4 ] into synonymy section. [ 61 ] Additionally, deer and elk eat the leaves are collected in mid-summer before they turn,... Across but, unlike foxgloves, the genus name, is known to occur Roots: … Mullein Habitat- to! On a tall stem, usually 1–2 m tall or more there are usually! `` Mullein '' native of Europe and parts of the 18th century is cited in other.! Parent to several hybrids great mullein habitat see table ) on Verbascum species in general V.!, croup, sunburn and other skin irritations lower stamens may serve to footholds! Of flowering and size are linked to strong phenotype variation rather than adaptation capacities species diversity in eastern! ( 2 mm, 0.08 in ) given, … Names: Aarons Rod, great Mullein on.. ) and torches athlete 's foot the first year of flowering and are. Keep out the cold low rosettes will arise the first year of flowering and size are to... Powers for decades, up to 100,000 seeds that scatter around the top of the plant ’ s,... Flower is open only for a single unbranched stem, usually 1–2 m tall this plant may be typo..., slopes, rocky outcrops, roadsides, railway embankments, waste ground, most often on gravel, or... It can flower Order: Lamiales - family: Scrophulariaceae family of plants ( as Snapdragon!