Dark Mullein - Verbascum nigrum Dark Mullein - Verbascum nigrum
Foto: botanika.wendys.cz

Herb: Dark Mullein


Latin name: Verbascum nigrum


Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)



Medicinal use of Dark Mullein:

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.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Biennial/Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
June to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Waysides and open habitats on banks etc, usually on dry calcareous soils.

Propagation of Dark Mullein:

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. Division in spring. This plant is a short-lived perennial that grows away very well from seed, so we do not try and divide it.

Cultivation of the herb:

Waysides and open habitats on banks etc, usually on dry calcareous soils.

Known hazards of Verbascum nigrum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.