Mullein

Verbascum densiflorum

Physical Characteristics

Verbascum densiflorum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

C. Europe. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antirheumatic Antiseptic Astringent Demulcent Diuretic Emollient Expectorant Pectoral Vulnerary The flowers and leaves are anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary[4, 9, 13, 21, 46, 53, 165, 238]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat irritations[9, 238]. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, sores, wounds, boils etc[238]. The plant is harvested when in flower and should be dried quickly and with care or it will lose its medicinal qualities[9, 238].

Known Hazards

None known