Ozark Wildflowers - Mullein in the Winter

Verbascum thapsus

Mullein is a biennial herb that blooms from May to September. It is found in dry fields, pastures, disturbed ground and along roadsides. It is actually native to Europe, but has been established in the Ozarks. It can grow up to 6 feet tall!

Our sheep ate the stalks of the mullein in their field before they even had a chance to grow much, but left the leaves alone. So sheep don't eat mullein. Good to know!

This is such an amazing plant. I can't go too much into its medicinal benefits as there are just too many and I am far from an expert. It can be used to treat many different lung diseases, diarrhea, insomnia, and pain. It is also used to treat coughs. Settlers even used the large, soft leaves as baby diapers.

The leaves also make great toilet paper when you find you forgot to pack some while camping or hiking! Haha!

Here are some macro shots of the fine hairs on the leaves.

It's so very soft. My mom often mistakes it for the plant called Lamb's Ear...which it is not. They are not the same.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by! I hope you and yours are happy and well! Stay tuned!