Mullein Facts
Mullein Facts
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| Interesting Mullein Facts: |
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| Mullein develops erect, robust, hairy stem that can reach 1.6 to 9.8 feet in height. |
| Mullein has large, oblong leaves that are spirally arranged on the stem. Leaves are covered with dense layer of hairs (they are woolly). Few mullein species have smooth leaves. |
| Most species of mullein produces leaves arranged in the form of rosette (located close to the ground) during the first year of growth. Tall flowering stalk (with spirally arranged leaves) starts to develop during the next growing season. |
| Mullein produces yellow, white, orange, reddish-brown, blue and purple flowers. They form spike-like cluster on top of a flowering stalk. Flowers consist of 5 symmetrical petals. They contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). |
| Mullein blooms from June to September. Bright-colored flowers attract insects that are responsible for the pollination of this plant. |
| Fruit of mullein is dry capsule filled with miniature seed. One plant produces around 100.000 seed per year. |
| Mullein propagates via seed that can remain dormant up to 100 years (germination of seed depends on the environmental conditions). |
| Tea made of mullein leaves can be used in treatment of common cold. Poultices made of leaves can accelerate healing of the skin after sunburns and other irritations. Smoking of dry mullein leaves can relieve respiratory disorders and cough. |
| Root and flowers of mullein are used in treatment of earache and croup. Flowers can be also used in treatment of migraine. They contain substances with anti-bacterial (kill bacteria) properties. |
| Ancient Romans used spike-like clusters of mullein as torches. They used grease to start a fire and to ensure stable flame. |
| Native Americans used leaves of mullein to warm up their feet in the moccasins. |
| Seed of some mullein species contain compound that induces intoxication of fish. Native Americans were familiar with this fact and they used powder made of mullein seed to ease collection of the fish from the shallow water. |
| Mullein is often cultivated in gardens because of its beautiful, decorative flowers and ability to blossom extended period of time. |
| Mullein is used as a source of dyes that have application in the cosmetic industry. |
| Most species of mullein grow as biennial (lifespan: 2 years) or perennial (lifespan: more than 2 years) plants. |
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