Verbascum Flowers

History and Uses

• Verbascum is native to Europe and was first introduced to the United States by the Puritans. Since that time, they have become naturalized in most states. The leaves of verbascum have been used to treat a host of ailments, including burns, earaches, rheumatism, diarrhea and lung disease. The plant was also used to poison mosquito larvae and fish.

Features

• Verbascum has olive green foliage covered in a soft layer of fuzz. The leaves grow from 6 to 18 inches long, with the largest occurring at the base of the plant. Tall, upright flower spikes develop in summer, some reaching lengths of up to 20 inches. The spikes are lined with eye-catching yellow blooms that open a few at a time, making them less showy than many commonly grown ornamentals.

Growing Conditions

• Unlike many other plants, verbascum thrives in dry, sandy soil. It does well in part or full sun, though full sun is ideal. Mulching or other weed control methods are not necessary, as the plants quickly outgrow any rivals for sun or nutrients. Verbascum is a nearly maintenance-free plant choice for the garden. Caterpillars, powdery mildew and excessive shade are the only things that greatly inhibit the health of the flowers.

Invasive Potential

• Verbascum is considered an invasive weed in many areas of North America, as it is capable of quickly taking over large areas. While this may not sound overly alarming, it can actually have quite an impact on local ecosystems because verbascum provides food to only a handful of naturally occurring insects and animals while crowding out more beneficial plants. Verbascum spreads rapidly from seed, so it is necessary to remove spent flowers quickly.

Interesting Facts

• Verbascum is one of the first plants to emerge in areas that have been damaged by wildfires due to its preference for sandy, dry soils. A single plant is capable of producing more than 100,000 seeds over the course of a year. Hummingbirds have been known to use the fine hairs found on the plant's leaves to line their nests.