British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide |
- Great
Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus)
a.k.a. common mullein, hedge taper, torch
Great
Mullein is a biennial herb belonging to the aster
family. It can reach up to 2 metres in height. The
stalks will stand all winter long and the
plant is covered with hairs.
- LEAVES:
- -
Great Mullein leaves can be up to 45 cm. long
- -
alternate on stem, becoming smaller farther
along the stem; eventually lacking a stalk completely
- -
coarse, flannel-like
- -
the base of the leaf form long ribs
- -
are broader at the base and more tapered as
progress up stalk
- -
cover the entire stalk at the top
- FLOWERS:
- -
yellow, sometimes whitish
- -
1-3 cm. in size, primarily stalkless, 5 petals
or lobes and 5 yellow stamens
- -
pleasant odour
- -
bloom June through August
- -
are sporadic along the stalk
- FRUIT:
- -
egg-shaped capsules with numerous small seeds
- HABITAT:
- -
Great Mullein is found in dry areas such as
roadsides and fields
- -
Great Mullein can survive even in poor soil
- -
Great Mullein appear at low elevations in southern
BC
- FASCINATING
FACTS:
- -
Great Mullein was introduced from Europe it
is now found throughout much of North America
- -
the leaves have been smoked by indigenous peoples
- -
this plant is popular in herbal medicine for
a variety of uses
|
|