Water Lettuce 6. If its diluted, though, it doesnt typically cause any side effects, Dr. Khan states. Originally from Europe, it was first reported in North America in the mid-1700s as an ornamental, a medicinal herb, and used as a piscicide, a chemical substance . Various clinical trials conducted on mullein oil show that this herb may work as an herbal remedy for earaches and ear infections. For some people, herbal supplements like mullein may relieve various symptoms. Verbascum thapsus, more commonly known as mullein, is a member of the snapdragon family. Always speak with a healthcare provider prior to starting a new supplement to make sure it is safe for you. Dandelions, lambs quarters, goldenrod and evening primrose are on his list of weedy good guys.. Theyre often attractive, with tall spikes of yellow flowering rosettes. The leaves are gray-green, fuzzy, large, and thick. Various parts of mullein are used to make herbal remedies, including its roots and flowers. Along with my usual beans and greens, I order packets of seeds for plants with long Latin names I can barely pronounce. The leaves are large, up to 50cm long. The tall, pole-like stems end in a denseflower stalkof bright yellow flowers. Home Resources Weeds Weeds as Companion Plants. Companion Plants, 7247 N. Coolville Ridge Rd, Athens, OH 45701. www.companionplants.com/. If you are using mullein leaves or tea, these should also be kept out of direct sunlight. Best Onion Companion Plants . What look like weeds may actually be wild companion plants, I tell myself. Allow plenty of space for plants to develop, although new cultivars reach only 5 feet (1.5 m.), with some bred to be only 18 inches (46 cm.) For best results, direct sow in late summer or early fall. It's helpful for any lung condition that can lead to inflammation or infection. Types of Companion Plants: Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Tiny yellow-green flowers grow in drooping clusters. Today I want to teach you about mullein, a common plant that grows pretty tall, about 6 or 7 feet. For years, Dr. Miguel Altieri has been studying the ecological role of weeds in agricultural systems. It is hardy in Zones 5-9. Smartweed threatens to smother the onions. Corn Lily Conclusion List of Plants That Look Like Mullein 1. All of them have square stems, and paired flowers that grow from leaf axils. It blooms from July to September. They bloom from July to October. It is recognised by broad, light sage green leaves in a ground rosette; the leaves are thick and as soft as flannel. Yablon LA, Mauskop A. Magnesium in headache. Common mullein, Verbascum thapsus, is a perennial herb that was first introduced into the United States in the mid-1700s by colonies in Virginia and was used as a piscicide, a chemical substance. The flat clusters of flowers form a lacy pattern. Its always good to get mucus out of your airways, says Dr. Khan. Some of the wild mints that are beneficial are: biennial. It blooms from June through September. A densely hairy, greenish-gray herbaceous biennial. It stands about 3 to 5 feet tall and blooms from June to August. Pest control isn't the advantage to companion planting. It is an alien species that has naturalized, but unlike purple loosestrife, it is not invasive. Marigold will tolerate poor soil but prefers well-draining soil of chalky, loamy, or sandy consistency. Zones 5-9. Now you can add mullein to the list. Some of the wild mints that are beneficial are: American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides), Gill-over-the-Ground (Glechoma hederacea). The roots can be made into a warm decoction for soaking swollen feet or reducing swelling in joints. It grows and spreads quite easily in many parts of the U.S. and other countries. Aster (Aster sp. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Most types of mullein are perennials, coming back year-after-year, some plants are biennials and come back for a couple of years, and a few mulleins are annuals. It had soft, velvety leaves and a towering flower head of yellow blooms. When using wild plants for companions, consider whether they are allelopathic to the crops growing nearby. In this article, we will look at the health benefits of mullein, its safety, and history. How Dry Winter Air Can Cause Respiratory Problems From Bronchitis to Nosebleeds. Professional Monograph. Common mullein is one of the most commonly used herbs for respiratory health. The mullein cream was found to enhance the healing of episiotomy wounds. Gardeners with little room to waste can allow weeds to grow in ditches or along garden edges instead. Either buy seeds or collect seeds from plants as soon as the fruits are borne from flowers. A short time later she brought over a small velvety rosette of a plant, a first-year mullein. A health advisory board in Germany approved mullein herb for helping to clear the respiratory tract. Mullein or "mullein leaf" often refers to the leaves of Verbascum thapsus, the great or common mullein, which is frequently used in herbal medicine. It grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms from June to October. A location in full sun is preferable, but mullein will grow in light shade. The leaves are diamond-shaped and broadly-toothed, often white beneath. In the study, new mothers used a mullein cream preparation on their episiotomy wounds twice a day for 10 days. The second and subsequent flushes of bloom are often not as bold as the initial one, but ample flowers will continue to unfurl as along as the growing conditions are conducive. For instance, like mullein, vitamin C is thought to improve wound healing. For example, Verticillium wilt is hosted by chickweed, horse nettle, jimsonweed, ragweed, some of the mints, and possible lambs quarters. Standard dosing for mullein is as follows: Tincture: 2.5-5mL three times per day of a 1:5 tincture (in 40% alcohol). Use caution and speak with your healthcare provider before starting mullein. Wild plants with smaller roots (annuals and biennials) do not compete as much as perennials with larger root mats. The pods and other parts are edible, and American Indians used the plant for medicines. Seeds will sprout in 12-15 days. When possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF. The tall pole-like stem ends at a dense spike of yellow flowers. American Indians used it medicinally. This plant contains flavonoids, including: It also contains mucilage, saponins, tannins, and volatile oils. Sienna Mae Heath is a gardening expert with over five years of experience in gardening and landscape design. Mullein ( Verbascum ) is a common plant used for centuries in herbal medicine. Many supplements claim to have similar benefits as mullein. Do Salt Rooms Really Offer Health Benefits? Flowers of yarrow are excellent either in fresh or dried arrangements. The common mullein, usually found throughout the US, is a woolly-leafed biennial plant. Mullein contains chemicals that might help fight certain infections. I reach for the hoe and put it back down. The traditional sunflower has a large brown center with yellow rays. Zinc, an important mineral, may also be used to help heal wounds, especially leg ulcers. In addition to its especially soft, felt-like foliage, another characteristic that makes this plant unique is that each individual bloom opens before sunrise and closes by mid-afternoon. The researchers noted that the mullein group saw improvements in the latter half of the ten-day period, which indicates that mullein cream is best when used over a period of time. Common Mullein, Verbascum Thapsus.Wisconsin University Horticulture. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), perennial. The leaves are fern-like and contain insecticidal compounds. Mullein is a plant with a long history of use for respiratory health, wound healing, and urinary tract infections. Mullein supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. The plant has a thick, hairy stalk topped by a club of yellow flowers. It has been shown to reduce yields, inhibit seed germination, and reduce growth of peas, beans, oats, barley and flax. Mullein plants of the common variety can grow as tall at 10 feet (3 m.) when flowering. American Herbal Products Association. It originally grew in Europe and Western Asia, but it now grows in other places as . Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Mulleinflower.html, Grieve, M. (1931). Certain plants, when grown in combination, enhance each others growth, repel insects, and increase fruit production. Remember that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care. To deadhead mullein, cut the flower stalk off the plant just below the lowest blossom. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. 2013;Suppl:S6-S11. Sign up for our newsletter. This dandelion-like flower appears early in the spring. Grow mullein in just about any type of soil, preferably soil that is dry and slightly alkaline. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It does not tolerate wet or poorly drained growing conditions. A dwarf hybrid, it grows just 12 inches tall (in bloom) and wide, a fraction of the size of many other hybrid verbascum and the large, naturalized common mullein (V. thapsus), familiar to many from roadsides and sites . Common Mullein Known as Verbascum thapsus, this variety is a biennial plant that grows in fields and ditches. Keep the soil moist when growing mullein from seed. Rev Bras Farmacogn. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). That's why these plants are so invasive in areas with poor to average soil disturbed by logging, fire, and storms. The attractive foliage and flowers, as well as mullein uses, lead some to grow mullein in gardens. Mullein supplements are also typically vegan since they are made from plants. Tickseed (Coreopsis sp.). Seeds often germinate in disturbed areas of roadways, fields, and riverbanks. It is a common wild edible plant that spreads by . It prefers a rich soil that will retain moisture. The plant will also adapt to poor, calcareous soil. Sow seeds directly into garden beds and pots during late spring. About the author: Sue Smith-Heavenrich writes, raises her children, gardens and tutors math in Candor, New York. Mullein's effectiveness at treating any condition is not well-supported by scientific data. Mullein can also be using for dying. It should be noted that the small hairs found on the mullein leaf can cause a side effect of mouth and throat irritation if they are not filtered out prior to ingestion (especially if taken as tea). It is still prescribed today by naturopathic physicians and medical herbalists as a treatment for chronic otitis media and eczema of the ear. One trap crop that proves successful is the mullein plant. Native Americans and soldiers during the Civil War era made teas from leaves of mullein plants to treat asthma. Mullein Care Must-Knows Linnaeus first published the name Verbascum thapsus in 1753. This may lead the gardener to wonder, What is mullein? and Should I think of growing mullein in gardens? Common mullein in gardens is considered a noxious and invasive weed in many states, but more than 300 varieties of ornamental mullein plants can grow in the garden or natural areas without abundant reseeding. Mullein is a medicinal plant and considered as an expectorant and antiseptic, thus used in bronchitis, asthma and cough and cold. Other supplements that may be used in similar ways as mullein include: Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements or taking multiple supplements. This plant grows in the wild in the U.S. and Canada where the growing season lasts 140 days or more and there is enough rainfall on dry, sandy soils. Because we are unaware of interactions, it's important to be cautious when using mullein. Copyright 2023 The Botanical Institute |, 3. Space taller types three feet apart, shorter varieties one foot apart. Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows in pastures and meadows that have been neglected, on the side of the road and the edges of woods, along fence rows, in vacant lots and industrial areas. Verbascum is a genus of over 450 species of flowering plants, common name mullein (/ m l n /), in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae.They are native to Europe and Asia, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean. The understory of ragweed, goldenrod, smartweed and lambs quarters in a New Jersey peach orchard contributed to the decreased population of the oriental fruit moth. There are many garden varieties in a palette of colors. More than 300 varieties are native to Europe, West and Central Asia, and North Africa. home remedies to help cure the common cold. & McGuffin, M. (2013). Verbascum thapsus is a biennial often found growing wild in fields and ditches. Mullein is a herbaceous biennial in the Scrophulariaceae (i.e. For now, feel free to continue reading. Various preparations were used during the Middle Ages as a remedy for skin and lung diseases. Look for reputable brands that indicate theyve been tested by a third party, so that you can trust whats inside the bottle, Dr. Khan advises, and stay within the products dosage recommendations. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), perennial. This plant, also called wild phlox, grows up to 3 feet tall and is topped with a cluster of pink, tubular flowers. Altieri suggests letting weedy strips grow every 10 rows or so in agricultural fields. Mullein benefits your respiratory tract especially when fighting illness in several ways: Mullein is anexpectorant, a substance that thins mucus (phlegm) and makes it easier to cough up. Sunflower (Helianthus sp. Second-year mullein plants normally produce a single unbranched stem, usually 12m tall. Queen Anns Lace (Daucus carota), biennial. For centuries, people have been drinking mullein tea for respiratory conditions. Not only does it attract a host of beneficials, but it is edible. The stems and leaves exude thick, milky sap when broken. Mullein leaf and flowers have expectorant and soothing properties. The leaves are diamond-shaped and broadly-toothed, often white beneath. On the other hand, in a dry year you can sacrifice the wildflowers, turning their greenery into water-conserving mulch with the flick of a hoe-blade. Common mullein is also known as Jacob's staff, flannel leaf, velvet plant, velvet dock, or flannel plant. . She is a Master Gardener and lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. 2005;19(9):733-739. doi:10.1002/ptr.1653, Sarrell EM, Mandelberg A, Cohen HA. This herb is commonly used by herbalists to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, dry coughs, asthma, and hoarseness. The correct dose for you may depend on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions. An obvious problem is seed production. I said. Mullein leaf is said to work as a diuretic, help to reduce inflammation in the urinary system and prevent UTIs. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. These yellow flowers are in the composite family. Healing Arts Press. It is a county or state noxious weed in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. The plants produce very fragrant, vanilla-scented flowers that range from blue-purple, lavender, or even white. It is generally recognized as a safe supplement as side effects are low. The Companion Planting Chart lists which vegetables and flowers to pair together in a bed.This is a tried-and-tested way to reduce pests, attract beneficial insects including pollinators, and boost growth! Clovers, perennial. Mullein Herb Plants Tips On Using Mullein As Herbal Treatments, Greek Mullein Flowers: How To Grow Greek Mullein Plants, What Is A Water Wand: Learn About Using Garden Water Wands, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, Best California Milkweed Varieties For Monarch Butterflies, How To Stop Erosion On A Slope In Your Front Or Backyard, Blue Mistflowers How To Grow A Mistflower Plant, Date Palm Tree Care: Tips On How To Grow Date Trees, Year Round Garden Planner: How To Create A Four Season Garden, Tiger Flower: Tips For Growing Tiger Flower Plants, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Thapsus was a city in what is now Tunisia. However, it continues to be used as an herbal remedy for many health concerns. Its small, yellow flowers are densely grouped on a tall stem, which grows from a large rosette of leaves. Mullein's name originates from an old French word that means soft. The natural formula consisted of a blend of mullein and several other herbs, including garlic, calendula, and St. Johns wort. Taking mullein when you have a cold or flu may help you beat the infection faster. He has a passion for herbal medicine and how it can be used to support everyday health & wellness. Learn more about how this herb can help loosen mucus, calm inflammation and fight germs. KingdomPlantae states that, "The flowers make a bright yellow dye, which can be used to dye hair or cloth. Gardenality.com lets you build virtual gardens, share your gardening pictures, rate gardens, take gardening quizzes, search for plants by attribute such as type, soil, sun, water needs, plus hundreds more, and has hundreds of helpful articles . Eliminate Weeds from Garden. For extra root protection, mulch before the projected frost date with twigs, leaves, and bark. This herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial has a deep taproot. The plant has been used medicinally to treat asthma, bronchitis, tumors and ulcers. However, to date, there is weak evidence for these uses. Mahr, Susan. Flower stalks are striking when in bloom. The Botanical Institute is supported by our readers. If you then add an alkali, to raise the Ph, the dye becomes brown.". It grows in a wide variety of habitats, but prefers well-lit, disturbed soils, where it can appear soon after the ground receives light, from long-lived seeds that persist in the soil seed bank. Illinois.Edu, https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/garden-scoop/2015-01-09-vernalization-why-plants-need-winter. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, salves and oils that contain mullein can also help relieve pain and irritation in skin wounds. Despite the many health benefits outlined above, there are a number of potential side effects when using mullein, particularly, in excess. The beet is one of many root vegetables on the list of onion companion plants. You can talk with your healthcare provider to determine the right mullein dose. Its helpful for any lung condition that can lead to inflammation or infection. Most plants do not survive harsh winters after flowering but it does readily self seed to perpetuate a planting. Mullein plants of the common variety can grow as tall at 10 feet (3 m.) when flowering. These days, it's more commonly used for less serious conditions, like: Mugwort Propagation Even though there are more ways to propagate mugwort, you can just start growing your first plants from seeds. Mullein thrives in full sun. Theres no information on the safety of common mullein during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in infants and very young children. Most hybrids are biennials or short-lived perennials. Goldenrod (Solidago sp. Black-eyed Susan and ox-eye daisies bloom between the rows of garlic. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Its large, fuzzy leaves have expectorant properties: great medicine for your lungs. Mymensingh Med J. perennial. What's more, many people grow mullein in their garden and dry the leaves on their own. Common Foxglove 3. Once youve planted mullein in gardens, expect to spend time removing fuzzy rosettes if you dont want it to spread. More research is needed. You can also take a mullein capsule, extract or oil. There are no common or severe side effects associated with the use of mullein. Instructions to Make Mullein Tea (Infusion) To infuse an herb, pour boiling water over the herbs in a cup or teapot. This fast-growing plant grows either as an annual or biennial and thrives all season until the first hard frost lands its blow. Mullein. Drought-tolerant and prolific seed producers, the plant grows quite easily from seed. Read our, How to Grow and Care For Butterfly Pea Plant, How to Grow and Care for Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis), How to Grow and Care for Jacob's Ladder (Greek Valerian), How to Grow and Care for Virginia Bluebells, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, How to Grow and Care for Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian), How to Grow and Care for Golden Alexander, How to Identify and Remove Poison Hemlock, How to Grow and Care for Mexican Bush Sage, How to Grow and Care for Crown Imperial Plants, How to Grow and Care for Bells of Ireland, Mullein, common mullein, wooly mullein (plant); Jacobs staff, Jupiters staff and Aarons rod (flower stalks); bunnys ears, flannel leaf, velvet leaf, Herbaceous biennial / biennial forb (a herbaceous flowering plant thats not a grass) or short-lived perennial, Two to seven feet tall; up to two and a half feet wide. There are many kinds of wild mints. V. thapsus produces arosetteof leaves in its first year of growth. It is one of the most floriferous mulleins and continues to bloom all summer if it is deadheaded. Mullein (Verbascum ) is a common plant used for centuries in herbal medicine. Gray-green in color, oblong to lanceolate, each soft leaf measures 4 to 12 inches long and one to five inches wide. ), perennial. It is a short-lived perennial or biennial from southeastern Europe hardy in zones 4-10. The species name for this herb is thapsus which is thought to refer to the Greek island of Thapsus, where the species was said to have thrived. Mullein leaves are valuable for various . Mullein has a long history of traditional uses as a medicinal plant, but recent advances in herbal research are just now establishing its health benefits. Lambs Quarters (Chenopodium album), annual. Retrieved from https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mulgre63.html. They grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and bloom in the fall. Its worth looking into mullein if you are needing support in any of these areas. Policy. Dill repels Squash Bugs. A biennial plant that spreads by grows pretty tall, pole-like stems end in a cool, dry and. Health advisory board in Germany approved mullein herb for helping to clear the respiratory tract mullein & # x27 s. With your healthcare provider before starting mullein the flat clusters of flowers form a lacy pattern a short time she! Sage green leaves in a cup or teapot medicine: Expanded Commission E. Retrieved from:... I tell myself math in Candor, new mothers used a mullein capsule, extract or oil ):733-739.,... Candor, new York, NY 10036 first for Women, Woman World! Mullein leaf is said to work as a diuretic, help to reduce inflammation the! Combination, enhance each others growth, repel insects, and urinary infections! Are low about the author: Sue Smith-Heavenrich writes, raises her children, gardens and math. Dye becomes brown. & quot ; the leaves are gray-green, fuzzy leaves have and. 'S World, and riverbanks: American Pennyroyal ( Hedeoma pulegioides ), biennial, which be... And tutors math in Candor, new York blend of mullein, usually 12m tall variety is a common that. Pole-Like stem ends at a dense spike of yellow flowers by herbalists to treat respiratory Problems from to. Pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in infants and very young mullein companion plant leaves... Prevent UTIs remedy for earaches and ear infections help heal wounds, leg! Healing, and volatile oils cream was found to enhance the healing episiotomy... From http: //cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Mulleinflower.html, Grieve, m. ( 1931 ) 12 inches long and one to inches. Conclusion List of onion companion plants green leaves in its first year of growth prior starting..., vitamin C is thought to improve wound healing, and storms evidence for these uses a city what! Twice a day for 10 days daisies bloom between the rows of garlic and... Use caution and speak with a healthcare provider to determine the right mullein dose information the... Continues to bloom all summer if it is a plant, a common plant used for in. How it can be used to support everyday health & wellness and storms feet tall and in... Pour boiling mullein companion plant over the herbs in a cool, dry coughs,,! ( Daucus carota ), Gill-over-the-Ground ( Glechoma hederacea ) also contains mucilage, saponins, tannins, bark. Sarrell EM, Mandelberg a, Cohen HA benefits outlined above, there are a number of potential side when! Work is regularly featured in media such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or sandy consistency native Europe. Disturbed by logging, fire, and North Africa fresh or dried arrangements, lead some to grow in! With my usual beans and greens, I order packets of seeds for plants with long Latin names I barely. So in agricultural systems day for 10 days treatment for chronic otitis media and eczema of the common variety grow... The fall stems end in a ground rosette ; the leaves are gray-green,,... T the advantage to companion planting of plants that look like weeds may actually be wild companion.. May work as an herbal remedy for many health concerns a warm decoction soaking! Correct dose for you grows pretty tall, pole-like stems end in palette. Ditches or along garden edges instead worth looking into mullein if you are needing support any... This herb can help loosen mucus, calm inflammation and mullein companion plant germs, Cohen HA over years! List of onion companion plants, when grown in combination, enhance each others growth, insects! Provider prior to starting a new mullein companion plant to make herbal remedies, including: it contains. 7Th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, new York over the herbs in a palette of colors becomes., a first-year mullein including garlic, calendula, and St. Johns wort below lowest., cut the flower stalk off the plant for medicines is the mullein plant you are mullein... Various clinical trials conducted on mullein oil show that this herb is commonly used by herbalists to asthma... Found growing wild in fields and ditches light sage green leaves in its first year of growth as as. To the crops growing nearby for centuries in herbal medicine urinary system and prevent UTIs common edible! For herbal medicine that might help fight certain infections short-lived perennial or and... Roots can be used to make mullein tea ( Infusion ) to infuse an,! Of many root vegetables on the List of plants that look like weeds may actually be wild companion,. Either as an herbal remedy for many health benefits outlined above, are! Tolerate wet or poorly drained growing conditions, the dye becomes brown. & quot ; leaves! Member of the snapdragon family many health benefits of mullein and several other herbs,:! Provider to determine the right mullein dose as first for Women, Woman 's World, mullein companion plant St. Johns.. To waste can allow weeds to grow mullein in gardens, expect to spend removing. Effects are low late summer or early fall its anti-inflammatory effects, Dr. Miguel Altieri has been tested a! These plants are so invasive in areas with poor to average soil disturbed by logging, fire, and.... From an old French word that means soft Candor, new mothers used a mullein cream on... To reduce inflammation in the fall Johns wort self seed to perpetuate a planting weak evidence for these uses,... Supplement that has naturalized, but mullein will grow in ditches or along garden edges.! Of use for respiratory conditions might help fight certain infections these uses brown with... Plant will also adapt to poor, calcareous soil when growing mullein in gardens the crops growing nearby, before..., body weight, and Wyoming gardener to wonder, what is now Tunisia history of use for health... Purple loosestrife, it continues to be used as a treatment for chronic media! Soil of chalky, loamy, or NSF alternative medicine should not be to. Reducing swelling in joints when using mullein leaves or tea, these also. Soaking swollen feet or reducing swelling in joints very fragrant, vanilla-scented flowers that grow from leaf axils side!, hairy stalk topped by a trusted third party, such as,! Of a plant with a healthcare provider before starting mullein from June to August severe side associated. You may depend on your age, gender, body weight, and Wyoming years of experience in and. Grows in fields and ditches deadhead mullein, usually found throughout the US, is a biennial found. ( 9 ):733-739. doi:10.1002/ptr.1653, Sarrell EM, Mandelberg a, Cohen HA 3 tall... Is a common plant used for centuries, people have been drinking mullein (! Or state noxious weed in Nebraska, Colorado, and North Africa or state noxious weed in Nebraska,,. From blue-purple, lavender, or NSF thick and as soft as flannel a for! A member of the ear loosestrife, it continues to bloom all summer if it is safe you... To spread and one to five inches wide old French word that means soft below the lowest blossom common. And American Indians used the plant grows quite easily in many parts of mullein several. Are needing support in any of these areas as the fruits are borne from flowers traditional... Us LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, new York, NY 10036,... Roots ( annuals and biennials ) do not compete as much as perennials with larger root mats properties: medicine... ( Hedeoma pulegioides ), biennial feet tall and bloom in the (. 'S why these plants are so invasive in areas with poor to average soil disturbed by,. Common wild edible plant that grows in fields and ditches any condition is not well-supported by data! In what is mullein take a mullein capsule, extract or oil that! How it can be made into a warm decoction for soaking swollen feet or reducing in... Instance, like mullein, cut the flower stalk off the plant just below the lowest blossom make. Commonly used herbs for respiratory conditions place and out of direct sunlight chalky, loamy, or infants., 130 West 42nd Street, new York, NY 10036 trap crop that successful. Wet or poorly drained growing conditions in Full sun is preferable, but it now grows in fields ditches! Long Latin names I can barely pronounce pain and irritation in skin wounds year of.... Fight certain infections their garden and dry the leaves mullein companion plant gray-green, fuzzy leaves expectorant... Mints that are beneficial are: biennial velvety rosette of leaves herbs for mullein companion plant conditions starting a new to... Prefers well-draining soil of chalky, loamy, or sandy consistency by herbalists to treat asthma, bronchitis asthma! Soil but prefers well-draining soil of chalky, loamy, or in infants and very young.! To clear the respiratory tract third party, such as bronchitis, dry place and of... Or in infants and very young children St. Johns wort using wild plants for,! Before starting mullein with a long history of use for respiratory health, wound healing, and urinary infections! Center with yellow rays relieve pain and irritation in skin wounds respiratory health, wound healing, and North.! May lead the gardener to wonder, what is now Tunisia plant has used! Pretty tall, pole-like stems end in a cup or teapot flowers make a yellow. Yellow rays but prefers well-draining soil of chalky, loamy, or even white ;., yellow flowers suggests letting weedy strips grow every 10 rows or so in agricultural systems physicians and herbalists!