Mullein
Verbascum thapsus L.
Botanical family: Scrophulariaceae
A large biennial with woolly grey-green foliage (a rosette the 1st year, a flower spike of 1 to 2 m the 2nd), with yellow flowers known to herbalism.
Full sun
Dry, poor, drained, stony
Low, prefers dry, stony soils
Very hardy
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A pioneer biennial that colonises bare ground and prepares the soil; its tall spike of yellow flowers is very nectar-bearing. A medicinal of the respiratory tract.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
Flowers gathered in high summer, in the plant's 2nd year, then dried.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Verbascum thapsus » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+thapsus)
- Tela Botanica, « Verbascum thapsus L. » (tela-botanica.org/bdtfx-nn-70991-description)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Always filter the infusion well: the hairs of the leaves and flowers are irritating to the throat.
In the kitchen & the apothecary
Where to find mullein in preparations: recipes and traditional herbal teas.
Infusions & herbal teas
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Keep in mind
A traditional plant: clinical data remain limited.
A note on rigour: many companion pairings are gardening folklore; this note sums up what the sources say, where there are any.
Before you forage
This plant is often gathered from the wild. Only pick what is abundant, never a protected species, and never uproot a whole plant (roots) without the landowner's permission. Rules vary by country and region, check locally.
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: dry, poor, drained, stony.