Mullein Monograph

Verbascum thapsus

Common names: mullein, common mullein, great mullein, velvet plant, flannel plant, torchweed
Latin name: Verbascum thapsus
Plant family: Scrophulariaceae (figwort family)
Parts used: leaves (primary), flowers, roots (less common)
Primary actions: expectorant, demulcent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
Best preparations: infusion (tea), infused oil, tincture, poultice
Safety rating: generally recognized as safe
Grown at Wild Clover Farm: yes — grows wild and self-sown

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is one of the most recognizable medicinal herbs once you know what to look for. Found throughout temperate regions worldwide, this biennial plant is easily identified by its fuzzy, gray-green leaves and tall yellow flower stalk.

Mullein undergoes a dramatic transformation over its two-year life cycle, which can complicate identification for new growers and foragers.

During its first year, mullein forms a low-growing rosette of large leaves that hug the ground.

The leaves typically measure 6 to 12 inches long and are densely covered in soft, velvety white hairs, giving the plant its characteristic gray-green appearance. Despite their fuzzy texture, the leaves are thick and somewhat succulent to the touch. They radiate outward from a central point and remain close to the soil surface.

In temperate climates, mullein overwinters in this rosette form and is notably cold-hardy.

In its second year, mullein undergoes a striking transformation as it bolts and sends up a tall flowering stalk. The stalk typically reaches 4 to 6 feet in height and may exceed 8 feet under ideal growing conditions.

The entire stalk shares the same fuzzy texture as the leaves. Bright yellow, five-petaled flowers bloom gradually up the stalk over several weeks, with only a few flowers opening at a time. After flowering and setting seed, the plant completes its life cycle and dies.

Several characteristics make mullein easy to identify once familiar:

· Velvety hairs: Soft, dense hairs cover all parts of the plant and serve as a reliable tactile identifier.

· Taproot:A deep, thick taproot may extend 2 to 3 feet into the soil.

· Scent:Leaves release a mild, slightly sweet aroma when crushed.

· Seeds:Each plant produces thousands of tiny seeds that can remain viable in soil for decades.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has naturalized extensively across North America, temperate Asia, Australia, and other regions. Because it thrives so readily in its adopted environments, many people assume it is native.

Mullein is considered a pioneer plant, meaning it readily colonizes disturbed soils where vegetation has been cleared or disrupted.

Common locations include:

· roadsides and ditches

· pastures and fields, especially overgrazed or recently cleared areas

· construction sites and disturbed ground

· fence lines and field margins

· railroad tracks and industrial sites

· abandoned lots and unmanaged spaces

· gardens, where it often appears as a volunteer

Several factors contribute to mullein’s success in disturbed environments:

· Seeds can remain dormant in soil for decades, with some studies suggesting viability for 50 to more than 100 years.

· Soil disturbance brings buried seeds to the surface, where exposure to light triggers germination.

· Bare or recently disturbed soil reduces competition from established plants.

· The deep taproot penetrates newly worked soil easily.

As a pioneer species, mullein also plays a role in soil restoration by cycling minerals and improving soil structure over time.

Mullein is highly adaptable and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. Once established, it tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions.

Sunlight:
Full sun, defined as six or more hours of direct sunlight daily, is essential for healthy growth.

Soil:
Mullein tolerates clay, sand, loam, rocky soils, and nutrient-poor conditions. In fact, it prefers lean soil over rich, heavily fertilized beds. Excessively rich soil can encourage lush leaf growth while reducing medicinal potency.

Drainage:
Good drainage is critical. Mullein does not tolerate standing water.

Temperature:
The plant is both cold-hardy and heat-tolerant once established. Exposure to winter cold is required to trigger flowering in the second year.

Moisture:
Moderate moisture is sufficient. Mullein tolerates wet springs and dry summers once its taproot is established.

Mullein is a biennial, completing its life cycle over two growing seasons.

· Seeds germinate in late summer, fall, or early spring, depending on climate.

· The plant forms a low rosette of fuzzy leaves.

· Energy is directed toward developing a deep taproot.

· The plant overwinters in rosette form.

· No flowering occurs during the first year.

· The rosette resumes growth after winter dormancy.

· A tall flowering stalk emerges in spring.

· Flowers bloom throughout summer.

· Thousands of seeds are produced.

· The plant dies after seed production is complete.

First-year and second-year mullein plants look dramatically different, which is a common source of confusion for new foragers and gardeners.

Mullein is most commonly grown from seed and readily establishes when its basic requirements are met.

· Late summer through fall, which mimics the plant’s natural seeding cycle

· Very early spring, after the danger of hard frost has passed

Planting time varies by climate zone, but mullein seeds benefit from cool conditions and seasonal temperature fluctuations.

· Scatter seeds on bare, prepared soil.

· Press seeds lightly into the surface; do not bury them.

· Seeds require light exposure to germinate.

· Keep soil moist, but not soggy, until germination occurs.

Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks when moisture is adequate.

Once seedlings are established, thin plants to 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for full development.

· Mullein seeds are extremely small; mixing them with sand can improve distribution.

· Once established, mullein readily self-sows.

· Seeds can remain viable in soil for many decades.

· Each mature plant produces thousands of seeds.

Choosing the right location early prevents future issues, as mullein develops a deep taproot and does not transplant easily once established.

Sunlight:
Full sun, defined as six or more hours of direct sunlight daily, is essential.

Soil:
Nearly any soil type is suitable, provided drainage is adequate. Ideal conditions include:

· well-drained soil

· slightly alkaline to neutral pH, approximately 6.0 to 7.5

· lean to moderately fertile soil

Over-fertilization should be avoided.

Spacing:
Allow 12 to 18 inches per mature plant.

Location considerations:
Select a permanent planting site. Mullein becomes difficult to relocate once the taproot develops, typically within six to eight weeks.

One of mullein’s greatest advantages is its low-maintenance nature.

· Water regularly during establishment, usually the first three to four weeks.

· Once the taproot develops, supplemental watering is rarely needed.

· Established plants are highly drought-tolerant and access deep soil moisture.

Fertilization is not recommended. Mullein performs best in poor to moderate soil. Rich soil promotes excessive vegetative growth and can reduce medicinal potency.

· Minimal weeding is required once plants are established.

· Large leaves shade out most competing vegetation.

· First-year rosettes may require occasional weed management.

Mullein has few significant pest or disease issues.

· Deer may browse young rosettes.

· Plants are generally disease-free and resilient.

Leaves are the primary medicinal part of the plant.

· First year: harvest in late summer through fall, during the rosette stage.

· Second year: harvest in spring, before the flowering stalk fully develops.

The best time to harvest is after morning dew has evaporated and before midday heat.

Harvest by cutting or gently pulling outer leaves while leaving the center rosette intact to allow continued growth. Multiple harvests are possible from a single plant.

· Harvest during the second year, throughout summer, as flowers open.

· Pick flowers in the morning after dew has dried but before heat intensifies.

· Flowers open gradually over several weeks, requiring multiple harvests.

Flowers must be dried quickly to preserve both color and medicinal properties.

· Harvest in the fall of the first year, after aerial parts have died back.

· Dig deeply, as taproots may extend 2 to 3 feet into the soil.

Roots are less commonly used than leaves or flowers and require more labor to harvest.

Mullein’s fine, velvety hairs can irritate sensitive skin or airways.

· Wear gloves during harvest if sensitive.

· Avoid inhaling dried leaf dust during processing.

· Always strain mullein tea thoroughly through fine cloth or a coffee filter to remove hairs.

· Leave at least 30% of plants unharvested to allow for reseeding.

· Do not harvest entire first-year rosettes; take outer leaves only.

· Harvest from multiple plants rather than stripping a single specimen.

· Allow some second-year plants to complete flowering and seed production.

· Lay leaves flat in a single layer on drying screens.

· Dry in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space, ideally 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Turn leaves occasionally to ensure even drying.

Leaves are fully dry when crumbly, typically within one to two weeks, depending on humidity.

Store in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Properly dried leaves have a shelf life of one to two years.

· Dry flowers quickly to preserve their yellow color.

· Use a dehydrator set to low temperature, approximately 95 to 100 degrees.

· Alternatively, spread flowers thinly on screens in a very warm, dry location.

Check flowers daily, as they dry quickly but can mold in humid conditions.

Store in airtight containers. Dried flowers are delicate and have a shelf life of approximately one year.

· Clean roots thoroughly, removing all soil.

· Chop into small pieces to speed drying.

· Dry completely before storage, as roots retain moisture and can mold.

Store in airtight containers. Properly dried roots have a shelf life of two to three years.

Mullein is best known for its use in supporting respiratory health. It has been traditionally used for coughs, bronchial irritation, lung congestion, and chronic respiratory discomfort.

The plant’s mucilage content soothes irritated tissues, while its expectorant properties help loosen and expel excess mucus. Both the leaves and flowers are commonly used in teas and tinctures. These uses appear in both European and North American folk medicine traditions.

Mullein flowers have a long history of use in traditional ear oil preparations.

Flowers are infused in olive oil and applied topically around the outer ear. The oil is never used if the eardrum is perforated. Mullein flower oil is often combined with garlic to enhance antimicrobial activity and remains widely used by contemporary herbalists.

Fresh or dried mullein leaves have been used topically as poultices for:

· bruises

· minor wounds

· joint pain and inflammation

· sprains and strains

Mullein has traditionally been valued for its vulnerary, or wound-healing, properties.

Historically, mullein has served many practical purposes beyond medicine.

· Torchweed:dried stalks dipped in fat or resin were used as torches.

· Fire starter: fuzzy leaves were used as tinder due to their ability to catch sparks easily.

· Dye plant: flowers were used to produce yellow dye.

· Temperature:cool to neutral

· Moisture:moist, demulcent

· Taste:slightly sweet, mucilaginous

· Tissue affinities: lungs, respiratory system, ears, lymphatic system

· Traditional indications: cold and damp respiratory conditions

· Expectorant:supports the movement and expulsion of mucus

· Demulcent:soothes irritated mucous membranes

· Vulnerary:supports wound healing and tissue repair

· Anti-inflammatory:reduces inflammation internally and topically

· Antimicrobial:exhibits mild antibacterial and antiviral properties

· Lymphatic:supports lymphatic movement and drainage

· Anodyne:provides mild topical pain relief

This is the most common traditional preparation.

Ingredients:

· 1 to 2 teaspoons dried mullein leaf, or

· 2 to 3 fresh leaves, torn

· 8 ounces freshly boiled water

Method:

· Pour hot water over the leaves.

· Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

· Strain thoroughly through fine cloth, a coffee filter, or a very fine mesh strainer.

Drink up to three cups daily for respiratory support.

Important: Tea must always be strained well to remove fine leaf hairs, which can irritate the throat and digestive tract.

Traditional method:

· Fill a small glass jar one-half to three-quarters full with fresh mullein flowers.

· Cover completely with high-quality olive oil.

· Place in a warm, sunny location for two to three weeks, shaking daily.

· Strain thoroughly through fine cloth.

Store in a dark glass bottle away from light and heat. Shelf life is approximately one year.

Uses:

· Ear oil: apply two to three drops in the affected ear two to three times daily.

· Topical use for minor wounds, bruises, and skin irritation.

Safety note: Never use ear oil if the eardrum is perforated or if drainage is present.

Folk method (approximately 1:5):

· Fill a jar one-third to one-half full with dried mullein leaf.

· Cover completely with 80- to 100-proof alcohol.

· Seal, label, and store in a cool, dark place.

· Shake daily for four to six weeks.

· Strain through fine cloth and bottle in dark glass.

Dosage:
30 to 60 drops in water, up to three times daily.

Fresh or dried leaves may be used externally.

Method:

· Soften fresh leaves briefly in hot water, or

· Reconstitute dried leaves with warm water to form a paste.

Apply to the affected area, cover with clean cloth, and leave in place for 30 minutes to several hours. Reapply as needed.

Mullein is generally recognized as safe and has a long history of traditional use with minimal documented adverse effects.

· Safe for adults when used appropriately

· Traditionally used for children with age-appropriate dosing

· Traditionally used during pregnancy and breastfeeding with professional guidance

· No known significant drug interactions

Fine plant hairs may irritate skin, throat, or airways.

· Always strain tea thoroughly.

· Avoid inhaling dried leaf dust.

· Wear gloves during harvest if sensitive.

· Never use if the eardrum is perforated.

· Do not insert oil deep into the ear canal.

· Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or persist.

Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Scrophulariaceae family.

Discontinue use if rash, itching, or respiratory discomfort occurs.

At Wild Clover Farm, mullein often appears as a volunteer wherever soil has been disturbed. Over time, it has become a valued part of the herbal garden rather than an unwelcome weed.

First-year rosettes demonstrate exceptional winter hardiness, while second-year flowering stalks grow rapidly once warm weather arrives. Flowering continues for several weeks, and seed dispersal ensures new plants appear in subsequent seasons.

The plant’s deep taproot improves soil structure and supports mineral cycling. Mullein also provides valuable forage for pollinators and offers abundant material for herbal preparations.

When volunteers appear in unsuitable locations, first-year rosettes can be transplanted successfully if dug deeply and watered well. Fall or very early spring is the ideal time for relocation.

Oklahoma/Zone 7 Growing Notes 

• Thrives in Oklahoma heat & drought; performs better here than many regions
• Self-sows aggressively - one plant = hundreds of volunteers; thin ruthlessly
• First-year rosette overwinters green even through ice storms
• Plant: Fall (Sept-Oct) or early spring (March-April); fall planting produces stronger plants
• Mullein grows wild along Oklahoma roadsides and pastures - forage responsibly from untreated areas, or let one plant self-sow and you'll never need to plant again  

· Positively identify mullein before harvesting.

· Avoid roadside, industrial, or chemically treated areas.

· Harvest sustainably, leaving at least 30% of the population intact.

· Obtain permission before harvesting on private land.

· Follow local regulations regarding wild plant collection.

Responsible foraging supports both plant populations and long-term access to herbal resources.

Is mullein invasive?
Mullein is non-native to North America but is not typically classified as invasive. It prefers disturbed soils and rarely displaces native plants in undisturbed habitats.

Can mullein be grown in containers?
Mullein is not well suited to container growing due to its deep taproot and preference for in-ground planting.

How long do mullein seeds remain viable?
Seeds may remain viable in soil for 50 to more than 100 years, allowing plants to emerge long after soil disturbance.

· Gladstar, Rosemary. Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health.

· Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal.

· Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism.

· Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified health care provider before using herbal products, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when taking medications.