Urban Nature Pictures 6/10; 50 More Urban Species #16: mullein

[urbpan]

Mullein Verbascum thaspus

Mullein is a large, unmistakable weed from Eurasia. Its downy leaves, pleasantly soft to the touch, can only be confused with the garden plant lamb's ear. Mullein, however, likes bright sunlight and well-drained soil, meaning that it grows often where nothing else will, or at least nothing quite so tall. Mullein can reach heights of six or eight feet, sprouting from the concrete rubble of a demolished building site, or the oily gravel along the train tracks.



Historically it was a welcomed weed, with a list of medicinal uses as long as the plant is tall. Teas, oils, infusions, and poultices were made, and it was even smoked as a way to soothe the lungs. Improving respiratory health by inhaling hot carbon particles is a mystery to me. The seeds are toxic, and accordingly have their own pharmacological interest. I am not a doctor, herbalist, or drug dealer. If you have further interest in this topic, please consult the experts. I don't know if these people are experts, but they have a lot to say on the subject.

Reportedly the leaves have been used as a kind of insole for tired feet, and the flowers used to make dye. The many compounds found in the plant include some known to irritate skin, so caution is advised to the diy cobbler or stylist.


The leaves are also very photogenic when wet.

Comments

[alpacacock.livejournal.com]

Oh this is so exciting, finally a plant I'm familiar with! The front of my childhood home was a combo of soft and hard, mullein and roses.

[dragonwrites.livejournal.com]

i've used mullein lots of times, as a tea, for coughs, but i always buy the dried herbs at the store. now i'm wondering, how can you discern between mullein and lamb's ear if the plant is small? i think i have some growing between the pavers on my patio.

[rudbekia.livejournal.com]

There were always mulleins growing in the undeveloped lots in the neighborhood where I grew up. I loved them for their soft, soft leaves.

[weofodthignen]

So that's what that's called. I always envisaged mullein as something small, probably because most medicinal herbs are. It's a pretty thing.

M