World Plants

Verbascum thapsus (Aaron's Rod, Great Mullein or Common Mullein)

Family	Scrophulariaceae
Genus	Verbascum
Species	thapsus
Category	Wildflowers & Weeds
Origin	Native to Europe, Asia.
Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer	Tea can be made from the flowers and has a soothing and sedative effect. Leaves and flowers have been used medicinally for treatment in lung diseases, sinus problem, coughs, colds, sore throats, asthma, emphysema, colic, diarrhea, migraines, earaches and inflammation reduction. The leaves contain rotenone which is an insecticide and coumarin which prevents blood clotting.

Shape	Upright.
Landscape	Borders and cottage gardens.
Propagation	Seed and root cuttings.
Cultivation	Full sun and partial-shade. Average, dry to medium and well-drained soil. Prefers dry, stony soils.
Pests	Susceptible to spider mites. Weevils and slugs may be a problem.
Notable Specimens	The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
Habitat	Roadsides, pastures, old fields, vacant lots and waste places.
Leaf Description	Basal rosette of stalked, thick, soft and densely hairy leaves that are 15 - 38 cm long in the first year. Erect solitary, unbranched, densely hairy flowering stem rising from the center of the rosette in second year.
Flower Description	50 cm long cylindrical inflorescence of densely-packed, 5-lobed, saucer-shaped flowers each 2 - 3 cm wide.
Fruit Description	Rounded downy seed capsules that are 6 - 7 mm wide.
Colour Description	The flowers are yellow or white. The leaves are green.
Texture Description	The leaves have a flannel-like texture.