The New International Encyclopædia/Mullein

MULLEIN (AS. molegn, mullein). A name given to members of the genus Verbascum, of the natural order Scrophulariaceæ of which there are more than 100 species, mostly large biennial or perennial herbs with rather thick tap-roots, and natives of the Eastern Hemisphere. The more or less woolly plants produce flowers upon spikes or panicles. The leaves and flowers were formerly reputed to have medicinal qualities, but are not so recognized in the United States. They contain a sort of mucilage which is obtained by boiling the leaves in water. Three European species are well-known weeds in the United States, the common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus), the moth

mullein (Verbascum blattaria), and the white mullein (Verbascum lychnitis). In Kentucky, Verbascum phlomoides is reported as established and spreading as a weed.



COMMON MULLEIN (Verbascum Thapsus).