Other Uses of Verbascum Thapsus – Kevin Carr

Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as mullein, has been used in various types of medicines for a variety of conditions for thousands of years. From treating the flu to ear infections to diarrhea, this plant has a long history in medicine. (WebMD) In addition to these uses, verbascum thapsus can be used for a number of other things including yellow hair dye and as a technique for catching fish.

Seeds of the mullein plant are considered a narcotic when ingested by fish. The seeds contain chemicals known as piscicides which will temporarily paralyze fish, making it easy to catch them. When ingested by the fish, either orally or through the gills, it will be stunned and float to the top of the water. (Kritzon) Since the chemical does not affect mammals, the fish that ingested them is safe for human consumption. (Schwartz) This technique is commonly used in  South American tribes, but is also a useful technique for survival in the wilderness where the mullein plant can be found. (Kritzon)

The flowers of the plant can also be soaked in boiling water to create a dye. This technique was used by ancient Roman women to dye their hair a golden color. The flower can also be used to restore the original color of gray hair. (Keeler) The dye can become a green color when mixed with sulfuric acid as well as a brown color when alkali metals are added. (Bergeron)

References

WebMD. (2009). Mullein. Retrieved March 16, 2015.

Schwartz, D. (2006). Common Mullein. Retrieved March 16, 2015.

Kritzon, C. (2003). Fishing with Poisons. Retrieved March 16, 2015.

Keeler, K. (2013, July 29). Plant Story: Common Mullein and its Folklore. Retrieved March 16, 2015.

Bergeron, K. (2000). Mullein. Retrieved March 16, 2015.

Cultivating Verbascum Thapsus

Connor Beavers

Growing Verbascum thapsus, or better known as the common mullein, is not a hard process to grasp. This plant is fairly easy to cultivate and can be grown by anyone who learns what the plant needs to grow to its fullest potential. Verbascum thapsus is self-fertile and hermaphrodite, so they have male and female reproductive parts. They are also pollinated by flies and Lepidoptera and are in flower from June to August. (Ferguson 211)

This plant is easiest grown with a border around it. The common mullein can be grown in well-drained soil or on dry soil. It doesn’t typically do as well in the shade or wet soil. It is usually found in some position with at least a little bit of sun. Verbascum thapsus thrives on chalk and prefers a light soil. It has attractive foliage and attracts birds and other flying creatures as well. These plants can hybridize with other plants in that genus. To plant a common mullein, one would need to sow late spring to early summer during a colder time. The planter must just cover the seed and be careful to not cover it too much. Germination will take place in 2 to 3 weeks. When the plants are big enough, pick out the seedlings into their own pots and plant them out in late summer. (Huxley 1992)

verbascum seeds pbio(picture of seeds of Verbascum thapsus)

Sources:

Ferguson, Ian Keith (1972). “V. Thapsus”. in Tutin, Thomas Gaskell et als. Flora Europaea. Volume 3: Diapensiacea to Myoporaceae. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 211

Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan

Kleinman, Russ. Digital image. Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness. Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences, 18 Dec. 2008. Web. 12 Mar. 2015

Verbscum Thapsus

Thomas Schneider

Dr. Thompson

Plant Bio 1030

3/16/2015

Verbascum Reproduction

Verbascum is a biennial plant that is native to North Africa, Asia, Europe, and has been introduced to the Americas, and to Australia. According to studies, Verbascum must reach a minimum height of 6.1 inches before flowering. On average, full grown verbascum have a height between .5m and 2m (Abella et al). Verbascum flowers are only open to pollinate for 1 day, between noon and sunset. Verbascum reproduction is self and cross pollination, so if a pollinator does not come to the plant by the end of the reproduction period, it will self-pollinate. This trait helps the less competitive or hidden verbascum plants that pollinators miss to reproduce and thus survive. They do not have a method to disperse seeds over long distances, most end up just falling near the parent plant.verbascum

A list of some of the pollinators and seed dispersers for the verbascum plant are: Mountain goats, deer, various livestock, insects, and other small mammals. Since Verbascum has a wide range, and grows around the world, it has many pollinators, not just the ones I named.

References

Abella, Scott R. et al. “Verbascum Thapsus.” Verbascum Thapsus. Corey L. Gucker, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2015.

Mullein Description

Abigail Jackson

16 March 2015

Verbascum Thapsus Description

Verbascum thapsus, also know as mullein, is a biennial plant that can grow up to two meters tall. Mullein was first found in Europe, Asia and South America and was brought to America in the early 1800s (Brousseau). During its first year of growth, mullein forms a circular arrangement of basal leaves that can grow to over one foot in length. Mullein stands up straight in an upright position. Leaves on the stem are covered in hair-like structures, which makes the plant feel like wool. The length of the leaves increase down the plant, creating a winged structure. On the top of the stem there are yellow flowers. These flowers are small and dense and can take up up to half of the stem. Mullein continues to live throughout the winter. During the winter, the yellow flowers become brown and the stem dries out. The dried stems can carry out to the following spring and sometimes the summertime. Flowering lasts for about three months during the summer. Verbascum is a very descriptive plant consisting of many different features.

Screen Shot 2015-03-16 at 11.13.52 PM

Works Cited

USDA, NRCS. 2015. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 March 2015). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

Brousseau, Brother Alfred. “Plants Profile for Verbascum Thapsus (common Mullein).” Plants Profile for Verbascum Thapsus (common Mullein). St. Mary’s College of California, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.

Cardina, John. “Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide.” Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.

History of Verbascum

Hailey Keaton

March 16, 2015

The History of Verbascum

There are many facts about the history of the plant Verbascum along with many medicinal uses that have came from the plant for several hundred years. Verbascum is a plant from areas in Europe and Asia. The plant is thought to first come to the United States approximately two hundred and thirty years ago.  In first year of the growth of the plant, it starts out with leaves and the second year, the plant will start to grow flowers. (“Verbascum” 1) Verbascum is used as an herbal remedy to cure several medical problems, such as asthma and respiratory disorders (“Verbascum” 1). Verbascum thapsus is a very famous type of the plant that has been used to treat ear infections (“Verbascum” 1).  The time of year when the plant is grown is between March and August. The plant is known to grow best in areas with full sun but can also grow in shaded areas. The plant is usually about three feet in height (‘Southern Charm’ 1). Verbascum plants can either be biennial or perennial and is known to need very little maintenance. It grows best in areas with sandy or rocky (Whitsey). Verbascum has been one of the most useful herbal and medicinal plants for several different diseases and infections for several hundred years. Even though it is a very beneficial plant, it is also very pretty and colorful with flowers (Whitsey).

“Verbascum.” 1 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://verbascum.org/&gt;.

“”Southern Charm”” Missouri Botanical Garden. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j120&gt;.

Whitsey, Fred. “In Focus: Verbascum.” The Telegraph. 25 Aug. 2001. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/3292806/In-focus-verbascum.html&gt;.

The Uses of Verbascum Thapsus

Rachel Weibel

16 March 2015

Pbio 1030

The Many Uses of Verbascum

            Verbascum thapsus, also known as mullein, is used to help fight influenza, the herpes virus, and some bacteria that may cause respiratory infections. The flowers of Verbascum produce the medicine. Mullein is most commonly used to treat diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, such as coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, tonsillitis, the flu, and so on and so forth. When used externally, the leaves of this herb also help to protect the skin from infection and wounds, such as burns, bruises, frostbite, and many more. Mullein is also popularly used to treat ear infections (Web MD, 2009). This plant can also be smoked to help with asthma. (Delva, 2003). Verbascum has many beneficial medicinal uses.

Verbascum has many uses other than medicinal. When boiled, the leaves of this plant produce a yellow dye that can be used in hair dye to color hair a golden color. Verbascum can also be used to make the wicks of candles (Plants for a Future, 2009). It has also been used as a replacement for tobacco throughout certain areas of the world. (Delva, 2003). The leaves can also be used to make teas, but it is very important to scrape the leaves because the hairs on the top are known to irritate the throat. Verbascum is a very well rounded plant.

Verbascum not only provides humans with many uses, but also a variety of animals as well. Hummingbirds often times use the leaves of this plant to develop their nests. This plant also produces nectar so many insects flock for a source of nourishment. Bees and flies also use this plant in terms of pollination (FCPS, n.d.). Verbascum benefits not only people, but also other animals and insects.

verb.

Works Cited

Remaley, Tom. “PCA Alien Plant Working Group.” National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 7 July 2009. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/veth1.htm&gt;

“: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings – WebMD.” WebMD. WebMD. n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-572-mullein.aspx?activeingredientid=572&activeingredientname=mullein/&gt;

“Verbascum Thapsus Great Mullein, Common Mullein, Aaron’s Rod, Flannel Plant, Hag Taper, Mullein, Torches, Velvet Plant PFAF Plant Database.” Verbascum Thapsus Great Mullein, Common Mullein, Aaron’s Rod, Flannel Plant, Hag Taper, Mullein, Torches, Velvet Plant PFAF Plant Database. n.p, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+thapsus&gt;

“Common Mullein.” Common Mullein. Ed. Theresa Painter, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/common_mullein.htm&gt;

Delva, Fritz. “Medical Attributes of Verbascum Thapsus – Common       Mullein.” Medical Attributes of Verbascum Thapsus – Common Mullein. n.p, 1 July 2003. Web. 16 Mar. 2015. <http://klemow.wilkes.edu/Verbascum.html&gt;