Description of Verbascum Thapsus

Appearance

• Common mullein is a leafy, erect plant with soft hairs on its foliage, giving it a silver look. It grows up to 8 feet tall and 2 feet across. In the second year, this plant produces a spike of bright-yellow flowers that stay open from May to September. According to the Plant Conservation Alliance, taller flower spikes bloom longer. This plant has a large taproot, which helps it stay healthy during dry spells.

Culture

• This plant grows across North America, from United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 1 to 11. It prefers full sunlight and relatively dry, sandy soil with good drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH. This plant is biennial, producing only leaves the first year, then dying shortly after it flowers and produces seeds the second year. Common mullein requires a relatively large growing area due to the spread of its lower leaves.

Uses

• Mullein was originally introduced to the Americas by European settlers, who used the plant as a remedy for diarrhea and coughs. According to the Plant Conservation Alliance, Virginia settlers in the mid-1700s used mullein as a fish poison. Extracts of common mullein work as a pesticide for mosquito larvae.

Considerations

• Mullein prefers open spaces, such as fields and openings in forests. It quickly invades any area not already well covered in vegetation, which makes it invasive. This plant is difficult to eradicate once established but regular mowing or planting a site with desirable vegetation keeps it from spreading. When growing mullein in the garden, collect its seeds before they disperse. Use these seeds for next year's planting.