Mullein

(Verbascum thapsus)

Basic Identification

Common Names

Mullein
Common mullein
Great mullein
Woolly mullein

Botanical Name

Verbascum thapsus

Plant Family

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)

Parts Used

• Leaves (primary medicinal part)
• Flowers (commonly used, especially for oil preparations)
• Roots (less common, specific traditional uses)

Habitat and Native Range

Mullein is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, but is now widely naturalized throughout North America and many other regions.

It commonly grows in:
• disturbed soils
• roadsides
• fields and meadows
• open, sunny hillsides
• dry, poor soils

Mullein prefers:
• full sun
• well-drained soil
• dry to moderately moist conditions

It is often one of the first plants to appear in disturbed areas, acting as a pioneer species.

Mullein is widely recognized for its tall flowering stalk and soft, woolly leaves, and has a long history of use in respiratory herbal medicine.

Overview

Mullein is one of the most widely used herbs in Western herbalism for supporting the respiratory system. Known for its gentle yet effective nature, it is most commonly used to soothe irritated lung tissue, ease coughs, and support the clearing of congestion.

Despite its reputation as a “simple” herb, mullein is deeply effective when used consistently and appropriately. It is especially valuable in conditions involving dryness, irritation, or inflammation of the respiratory tract, where tissues need both protection and gentle stimulation to clear mucus.

Mullein is considered safe and appropriate for a wide range of individuals, including children and the elderly, making it a foundational herb in both home and clinical respiratory care.

Basic Uses

Mullein is commonly used for:

• Dry, irritated coughs
• Bronchial inflammation
• Mild respiratory infections
• Congestion with difficulty expectorating mucus
• Sore throat and respiratory irritation
• Lung weakness or recovery support

Botanical Description / Morphology

Growth Habit – Biennial plant
• First year: low-growing basal rosette
• Second year: tall flowering stalk, typically 3–7 feet (can grow taller)

Stem –
• Thick, erect, and unbranched (flowering stalk)
• Covered in fine, woolly hairs
• Soft but sturdy

Leaves –
• Arrangement: Alternate (on flowering stalk), basal rosette in first year
• Shape: Large, oval to lance-shaped
• Margin: Smooth or slightly wavy
• Surface: Densely covered with soft, woolly hairs (felt-like texture)
• Texture: Thick, velvety

Venation –
• Prominent central midrib with branching lateral veins
• Clearly visible due to large leaf size

Flowers –
• Type: Small, five-petaled flowers arranged along a tall central spike
• Color: Bright yellow
• Bloom pattern: Flowers open sequentially from bottom to top
• Bloom Time: Summer

Key Feature –
The tall flowering spike with dense clusters of yellow flowers and large, woolly leaves is a primary identification marker.

Roots –
• Thick taproot
• Deep and anchoring, especially in second-year plants

Key Identifying Features

• Large, soft, woolly leaves (“felt-like”)
• Basal rosette in first year
• Tall, single flowering stalk in second year
• Bright yellow flowers on a dense spike
• Dry, upright structure often visible through winter

Similar Species / Lookalikes

• Verbascum species (other mulleins)
→ Generally similar, but may vary in size and flower arrangement

• Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)
→ Similar soft, fuzzy leaves but:
– much smaller
– lacks tall flowering spike
– grows as a low ground cover

• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) (young plants)
→ Basal rosette can resemble mullein early on, but:
– leaves are not as woolly
– flowers are tubular and very different

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