One of the most interesting wildflowers growing
in the Bon Bon Acres pasture is the Verbascum thapsus (great
mullein or common mullein). Categorized as a “hairy biennial plant” it
can reach heights up to six feet!
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.
It is widely used
for herbal remedies, with well-established emollient and astringent properties.
Mullein remedies are especially recommended for coughs and related problems,
but also used in topical applications against a variety of skin problems.
Not only is this
plant pretty but it’s a favorite with honeybees. Look closely at the photo and you will see
one!
(please clink on image to embiggen)
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