Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus
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Pl. 6928 — Verbascum thapsus
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IOverview
Overview
Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as common mullein, is a biennial or perennial herb that can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. Native to regions including Afghanistan and parts of Europe, this plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is known for its medicinal uses, particularly in traditional remedies. One distinctive feature is its large, soft leaves that can grow up to 40 cm long, providing a unique texture. Another notable characteristic is the tall spike of yellow flowers that appear in late summer, making it an ornamental addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Verbascum thapsus?
Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as common mullein, is a biennial or perennial herb that can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. Native to regions including Afghanistan and parts of Europe, this plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.
What is Verbascum thapsus used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Verbascum thapsus
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Verbascum thapsus has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for topical applications to soothe irritated skin, supported by its long history of use. A poultice or salve made from the leaves and flowers may help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
The plant contains mucilage compounds that provide a soothing effect on the skin, although the specific mechanism is not fully characterised.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Verbascum thapsus thrives in light to medium and heavy soils with a pH of 7-7.5, preferring sandy or clay textures. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 3-9 and can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. This forb/herb prefers dry to moist conditions and needs full sun to partial shade. For propagation, it can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors and transplanted. Given its native range across Europe and Asia, Verbascum thapsus is adaptable but benefits from well-drained soil and regular watering during establishment.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Verbascum thapsus for the first time
7steps
Start with Verbascum thapsus by following these simple steps for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, and prepare by loosening the topsoil with a fork.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows spaced about 30 cm apart; for transplants, space them 60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering during dry spells; mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flower heads to encourage more blooms, but avoid cutting back the foliage until late fall.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:DyePest controltextilesLightingFire starterCandlesDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AustriaBelarusBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPortugalRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia6 regions
native (6)AfghanistanChinaIranKazakhstanMongoliaNepal
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 69286cdd-2e62-4728-ba03-5d9671e0c744
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