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Description
Verbascum Thapsus, commonly known as Mullein, is a biennial plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a tall, erect plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant has thick leaves that grow in a rosette pattern and produce a dense spike of yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. Mullein is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it can now be found growing wild in many parts of North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Verbascum |
Appearance
Mullein is a tall, erect plant with a single stem that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are thick and grow in a rosette pattern at the base of the stem. They can grow up to 1 foot long and are covered in soft, velvety hairs. The flowers grow in a dense spike at the top of the stem and are bright yellow with five petals. The plant produces a large number of small seeds that can be easily dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Mullein is a relatively easy plant to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your Mullein:
- Water: Mullein does not like wet soil, so it is important to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil around the roots.
- Fertilization: Mullein does not require much fertilizer. You can add a small amount of organic fertilizer to the soil in the spring.
- Soil: Mullein prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy, you can add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Mullein requires full sun to grow and bloom properly.
- Hardiness Zones: Mullein is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mullein is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but there are a few issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, green insects that can suck the sap out of the plant. They can be controlled with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or red spots on the leaves. It can be controlled with a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled with a fungicide.
Habitat
Mullein is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it can now be found growing wild in many parts of North America. It grows best in dry, rocky soil, and is often found growing along roadsides, in fields, and in disturbed areas. Mullein is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and extreme temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mullein poisonous?
A: No, Mullein is not poisonous. In fact, it has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb.
Q: Can Mullein be used to treat respiratory problems?
A: Yes, Mullein has been traditionally used to treat respiratory problems such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
Q: How long does it take for Mullein to flower?
A: Mullein typically flowers in its second year of growth.
Q: Can Mullein be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Mullein can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its long taproot.
Related Plants
- Verbascum phoeniceum
- Verbascum nigrum
- Verbascum chaixii
- Verbascum blattaria
- Verbascum densiflorum
References
- “Verbascum thapsus L.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Accessed 18 June 2021. www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:811553-1.
- “Mullein.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 18 June 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281108.
- “Verbascum Thapsus.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Accessed 18 June 2021. www.almanac.com/plant/mullein.
