Verbascum Nigrum
Contents
Description
Verbascum Nigrum, commonly known as Black Mullein or Dark Mullein, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a robust stem with leaves that are grayish-green and hairy. Its flowers are yellow and have five petals, with a purple center. The plant blooms from June to August, and its seeds ripen from August to October.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Verbascum |
Appearance
The Black Mullein has a striking appearance due to its tall stature and yellow flowers that bloom from June to August. The plant has a robust stem that can grow up to 6 feet tall, with thick and hairy leaves that are grayish-green in color. The leaves grow in a basal rosette during the first year of growth and then form a tall spike during the second year. The flowers are yellow, with five petals and a purple center, and grow in clusters on the spike. The plant’s seeds are small and brown, ripening from August to October.
Care Guide
Verbascum Nigrum is a hardy plant that is relatively low-maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep your Black Mullein healthy:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not require much watering, except during periods of drought.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can add compost or organic matter to the soil before planting.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate poor soil but does not do well in heavy clay.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Black Mullein is a relatively pest-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that can be caused by high humidity or poor air circulation. To prevent this disease, make sure to plant the Black Mullein in an area with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If you notice signs of powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Verbascum Nigrum is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it can be found growing in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Black Mullein a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Black Mullein is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years. It grows as a rosette of leaves during its first year and then produces a tall spike with flowers during its second year.
Q: How do you propagate Black Mullein?
A: You can propagate Black Mullein by collecting its seeds in the fall and planting them in well-drained soil in the spring. The plant can also self-seed, so make sure to remove spent flowers to prevent it from spreading too much.
Q: Can Black Mullein be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Black Mullein can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s tall stature. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Q: What are the medicinal uses of Black Mullein?
A: Black Mullein has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. It has been used to treat respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis and asthma, as well as ear infections and skin conditions.
Related Plants
- Verbascum Blattaria
- Verbascum Densiflorum
- Verbascum Phoeniceum
- Verbascum Thapsus
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/mullein/growing-mullein-plants.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834722/
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/verbascum_nigrum.shtml
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c933
