Arizona Wild Flowers
Wildflower Pictures And Photos

Common Mullein, Verbascum thapsus

Common Mullein, Verbascum thapsus; June 18, 2005. Lynx Creek.

Common Mullein, Verbascum thapsus	Common Mullein, Verbascum thapsus
Common Mullein, Verbascum thapsus	Lambs Ears Flowers

Common Mullein Verbascum thapsus, Figwort Family: ( Scrophulariaceae ), Common Mullein. Also called: Lamb's Ears, wooly mullein, flannel mullein, blanketweed, velvet plant, flannel leaf, and candlewick. A common biennial herb, which produces a basal rosette of large, stalked, thick, fuzzy, oval leaves that range from 4-12 inches in length and 1-5 inches in width in the first year. These leaves often survive through the winter. In the second year, mullein sends up an erect, flower stalk, up to about six feet tall, which is fuzzy, and has smaller, oval, alternate leaves. Medicinally, it is expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, astringent, and demulcent. It is especially soothing (and is a good tonic for) the lungs, mucous membranes, and glands. We do not recommend trying this plant as a medicine. If you soak the flower heads in tallow it makes a good torch. The leaves, dried and rolled, have been used as lamp wicks. Native Americans lined footware with its leaves for warmth. Height: Biennial herb growing to about 6 feet tall. Flowers: The flowers are yellow with 5 unequal lobes, 5 orange tipped stamens up to 1 inch wide, in tightly wedged spikelike clusters. Blooming Time: June - September. Leaves: The leaves are gray - green, oblong, thick, hairy, basal leaves in a rosette up to about 16 inches long.. Found: Found throughout higher elevations in Arizona. Elevation: 4000 - 7000 Feet. Habitat: Disturbed areas, roadsides, rocky stream banks and open areas. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken June 18, 2005. Lynx Creek. There are three species of Verbascum in Arizona.