Common Mullein. Verbascum thapsus, Figwort Family: ( Scrophulariaceae ), Common Mullein. Also called: Lamb's Ears, Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Adam's Flannel, Fairy Tale Plant, Wooly Mullein, Flannel Mullein, Blanketweed, Velvet Plant, Flannel Leaf, Verbascum lychnitis, and Candlewick. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. 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. Quick Notes: 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. Flower Stalk: The flower stalk is about 18" - 60" long, smooth, and dark green. Flowering Time: June - September. Leaves: The leaves are gray - green, oblong, thick, hairy, basal leaves in a rosette up to about 16 inches long. Found: Native of Europe. It may have come from the Mediteranian or Britain. Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 �C (-30 �F) USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 �C (-25 �F) USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 �C (-20 �F) USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 �C (-15 �F) USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 �C (-10 �F) USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 �C (-5 �F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 �C (0 �F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 �C (5 �F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 �C (10 �F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 �C (15 �F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 �C (20 �F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) 8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Sun to Partial Shade Light Shade Elevation: 4,000 - 7,000 Feet. Habitat: Disturbed areas, roadsides, rocky stream banks and open areas. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken June 18, 2005. Lynx Creek, Arizona. There are three species of Verbascum in Arizona.

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