Botanical Name: Verbascum phlomoides
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Genus: Verbascum
Species: V. phlomoides
Common Names: Orange mullein, Wooly mullein, Verbascum thapsus, or Pale yellow mullein
Habitat: Verbascum phlomoides is native to S. Europe. It grows on dry sandy or stony ground.
Description:
Verbascum phlomoides is a biiennial/perennial herb growing to 1.2 m (4ft). This dicotyledonous plant produces a rosette of leaves in its first year of growth. … All parts of this plant are covered with star-shaped trichomes. This covering is particularly thick on the leaves, giving them a silvery appearance.
It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Cultivatiion:
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position. Dislikes shade and wet soils. Thrives on chalk.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. This species is hardy to at least -15°c. Hybridizes with other members of this genus, though the progeny are usually sterile. Plants can perennate when growing in light well-drained soils.
Propagation:
Seed – sow late spring to early summer in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 – 3 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in late summer. The seed has a long viability.
Medicinal Uses:
The seed is used to expel tapeworms from the body. The seeds probably contain saponins and so should be used with caution. The flowers and leaves are anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, pectoral and vulnerary. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat irritations. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, sores, wounds, boils etc. The plant is harvested when in flower and should be dried quickly and with care or it will lose its medicinal qualities.
Other Uses: The whole plant is used to repel mice and rats. Dynamic accumulator.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbascum_phlomoides
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+phlomoides
