TASSO BARBASSO - Verbascum thapsus L. Scrophulariaceae - Great mullein

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Deutsch: Kleinblütige Königskerze
English: Great mullein , feltwort
Español: Gordolobo , candela regia
Français: Bouillon blanc , molène thapsus


Verbascum thapsus, the great mullein, greater mullein or common mullein, is a species of mullein.
It is a hairy biennial plant that can grow to 2 m tall or more. Its small, yellow flowers are densely grouped on a tall stem, which grows from a large rosette of leaves. 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. It is a common weedy plant that spreads by prolifically producing seeds, and has become invasive in temperate world regions. It is a minor problem for most agricultural crops, since it is not a competitive species, being intolerant of shade from other plants and unable to survive tilling. It also hosts many insects, some of which can be harmful to other plants. Although individuals are easy to remove by hand, populations are difficult to eliminate permanently.

Although commonly used in traditional medicine, no approved drugs are made from this plant. It has been used to make dyes and torches.