Verbascum thapsus Great mullein (Scrophulariaceae)

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Verbascum thapsus
Great mullein
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The Verbascum thapsus plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Great mullein.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Verbascum thapsus
Common Name:  Great mullein
Family:  Scrophulariaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The leaves contain rotenone and coumarin, though the quantities are not given[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide and coumarin can prevent the blood from clotting[K]. Hairs on the leaves can act as an irritant[222].

Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Sunny positions in uncultivated fields and waste ground, especially on dry soils[7, 13, 17].

General Uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers by boiling them in water[4]. When used with dilute sulphuric acid they produce a rather permanent green dye, this becomes brown with the addition of alkalis[4, 13, 100, 168]. An infusion of the flowers is sometimes used to dye the hair a golden colour[4, 200]. The flowering stems can be dipped in wax and used as torches[53, 106, 124]. The down on the leaves and stems makes an excellent tinder when quite dry[4, 53, 115]. It is also used as an insulation in shoes to keep the feet warm[4, 200] and to make wicks for candle[1, 4, 13, 100, 115, 124]. One report says that the leaves contain rotenone, though it does not say in what quantity[222]. Rotenone is used as an insecticide[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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