Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Aquarius, Gemini, Leo, Taurus

Journey from darkness to light

Mullein is a tall, biennial herbaceous (non-woody) plant known for its tall, yellow flower spikes, medicinal uses and resilience in a variety of environments. Mullein has a taproot that helps it access deep water sources, allowing it to thrive in dry or rocky soils.

Mullein leaves are oval to lance-shaped, and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. Leaves are larger at the base of the spike. The leaves grow in a circular pattern close to the ground during the plant’s first year. The leaves are covered in dense, soft hairs, giving them a velvety feel and are typically a gray-green or silvery color due to the fine hairs. Exposure to cold is required for the plant to flower the following year. 

The second year, plants produce a flower stalk that is 6-10 feet (1.8-3.04 meters) tall. Each stalk is covered in numerous small, five-petaled flowers.  The flowers are typically bright yellow, though some species may have white, pink, or purple flowers. Flowers bloom a few at a time in late spring or through summer. Historically, mullein stalks were dipped in tallow or wax and used as torches due to their long, straight form and slow-burning qualities. 

Plants produce tiny seeds that require light to germinate. Seeds can live for a very long time in the earth then germinate when the earth is disturbed and the seeds are exposed to light.

Mullein has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for respiratory issues. It has also been used as an anti-inflammatory and for topical pain relief. Flowers and leaves have also been used to produce yellow or green dyes.

Mullein is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, though it has spread to many other parts of the world.

Mullein is symbolic of our journeys of moving through darkness to reach light. Mullein's taproot enables the plant to live in dry and rocky soils.  Sometimes we too need to live in areas that are challenging, and the plant's taproot symbolizes that we can be grounded even as we move through those challenges. The taproot keeps us deeply rooted in our humanity as we move away from the undesirable toward that which brightens our souls. 

The journey through darkness can be where one travels to a more open level of spirituality, towards a more comfortable level of health, towards greater financial stability or towards other aspects that make life more fulfilling or comfortable. If this is your path, you can use the image of Mullein being used as a torch that lights your way, that illuminates the path before you and helps you to see it clearly. If you are drawn to Mullein, know that even if you are in a difficult situation that needs improvement, the path before you is well lit. Your job is to take the needed steps along that path.   

Mullein types include: 

Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): This is the most well-known species, often found in North America, is identified by its tall flowering spike and densely hairy leaves. Also known as Common Mullein, Flannel Plant or Wooly Mullein.

Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria): A shorter species with white or yellow flowers, commonly found in disturbed areas.

Purple Mullein (Verbascum phoeniceum): Known for its attractive purple flowers, this species is often grown in gardens.