Live Mullein plant (medium)

The Mullein plant, scientifically known as Verbascum thapsus, is a striking biennial or perennial herb that captivates with its unique appearance. It typically grows in a rosette form during its first year, producing broad, velvety leaves that can reach up to a foot in length. These leaves are oval to lance-shaped, featuring a soft, fuzzy texture due to fine hairs that cover their surface, giving them a silvery-green hue.

In the second year, Mullein transforms dramatically. A tall, sturdy flower spike emerges, often reaching heights of 3 to 8 feet. This spike is adorned with clusters of small, star-like yellow flowers that bloom from the bottom upward. Each flower has five petals and a central set of stamens, creating a striking visual display. The flowering period usually occurs in the summer, attracting various pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Mullein thrives in a variety of habitats, often found in disturbed soils, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a resilient plant that can adapt to different environmental conditions. The overall structure of the plant, with its tall spike and broad base, creates an impressive silhouette against the backdrop of other flora.

Additionally, the leaves and flowers are often covered in a fine layer of fuzz, which not only adds to its distinctive texture but also helps the plant retain moisture. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to small, fuzzy seed capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or animals, aiding in the plant's spread.

Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, and other actives that are individually proven to be:1

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-hypertensive (lowers blood pressure)
• Antiseptic and antimicrobial
• Astringent (constricts pores, limits sebum production)
• Diuretic (promotes urine production)
• Pain-relieving
• Emollient (moisturizing)
• Expectorant (clears mucus from airways)
  
• Spasmolytic (relieves muscle spasms)
  
• Wound-healing

  Mullein contains flavonoids, saponins, and other actives that are individually proven to be:1

  Blanco-Salas J, Hortigón-Vinagre MP, Morales-Jadán D, Ruiz-Téllez T. Searching for scientific explanations for the uses of Spanish folk medicine: a review on the case of mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). Biology (Basel). 2021;10(7):618. doi:10.3390/biology10070618