Mullein
Verbascum densiflorum

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

Verbascum densiflorum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Waste places, railway embankments and similar dry sunny localities.

C. Europe. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The flowers and leaves are anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat irritations. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, sores, wounds, boils etc. The plant is harvested when in flower and should be dried quickly and with care or it will lose its medicinal qualities.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 2

Dynamic accumulator.

Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.

How it is grown

Succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, preferring a sunny position. Dislikes shade and wet soils. Thrives on chalk. Prefers a light soil. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. This species is closely related to V. phlomoides. Hybridizes with other members of this genus, though the progeny are usually sterile.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring to early summer in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in late summer. The seed has a long viability.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

V. thapsiforme. Schrader.