Wooly Mullein, Orange mullein

Verbascum phlomoides

Physical Characteristics

Verbascum phlomoides is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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

S. Europe. Rarely naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiseptic Demulcent Diuretic Expectorant Pectoral Vermifuge The seed is used to expel tapeworms from the body[4]. No other details are given, but the seeds probably contain saponins and so should be used with caution[K]. The flowers and leaves are anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, pectoral and vulnerary[21, 238]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat irritations[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[238].

Known Hazards

None known