Verbascum nigrum

'Dark mullein'

[Ex. Hampshire, England]

Scrophulariaceae: upright, ridge-stemmed biennial to 1m. The stems are purplish and usually unbranched. Grows on roadsides verges and disturbed ground, on calcareous and sandy soils. The yellow flowers have the stamens coated in purple hairs; in elongated spikes from June-August. Locally common in South Eastern England only. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, Siberia, Macedonia, Caucasus.

USES:

The flowers and leaves have anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, pectoral and vulnerary properties. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, and asthma and throat irritations. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, sores, wounds, boils. The plant is harvested when in flower and should be dried quickly and with care or it will lose its medicinal qualities.

GROWING INFORMATION:

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, and prefers a sunny position. Dislikes shade and wet soils. Sow seeds in 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.

HARVESTED: 2023

 
APPROX. 1000+ SEEDS