Synonyms: moth mullein; Verbascum blattaria. To make the tea, pour hot water on fresh or dried mullein leaves. Other uses of the herb: The plant repels insects, it is used indoors to repel moths and cockroaches. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. After all, it wouldn’t be a good survival strategy for the moth if its caterpillars completely destroyed the plant! It can grow up to 5 feet tall! Moth Mullein. Binomial name; Cucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758) Synonyms; Shargacucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758) Description. : Verbascum blattaria; Related new entry: moth mullein - das Schabenkraut, wiss. Rosette leaves are oblanceolate with deeply toothed edges and are attached to the stem by short petioles. I found the same statement that Odysseus used mullein for protection from Circe in the 1864 translation of Herbarium Apuleii Platonici by Cockayne. 17 more photos VIEW GALLERY. Mullein moth Scientific classification; Kingdom: Animalia: Phylum: Arthropoda: Class: Insecta: Order: Lepidoptera: Superfamily: Noctuoidea: Family: Noctuidae: Genus: Cucullia: Species: C. verbasci. See more. Moth Mullein Verbascum blattaria Look for this biennial plant, June through September, in pastures, meadows, and along roadsides. Species, Wild Verbascum, Moth Mullein Verbascum blattaria. 42. Habitat of Moth Mullein: Waste places in damp ground. The central stem is stout, ribbed, and usually glabrous beneath the inflorescence. paddocks right through the Hawkes Bay and also in the South Island and Verbascum virgatum 'the moth Mullein' are the most common. Mullein oil is used in treating various skin conditions such as eczema. The Mullein Cucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758) Wingspan 45-50 mm. Habitat. Other mulleins, for example moth mullein, Verbascum blattaria, do have white flowers, and are found around the Mediterranean. The weevil larvae feed on the seed in the seed capsule and can destroy up to 50% of the seed. The common mullein inflorescence is a spike-like raceme with yellow flowers 1 to 1.5 inches wide. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It had reached the Midwest by 1839 and became widely naturalized on the Pacific Coast by 1876. The moth larvae feed on the foliage. Mullein is an attractive flowering landscape plant with a rich history as an herbal remedy. ''V. Moth mullein definition is - a European mullein (Verbascum blattaria) that is naturalized as a weed in America and that has smooth leaves and large yellow or purplish flowers. The photos above show the leaves arranged on the flowering stem in an alternate pattern, without petioles and gently clasping. The stem is also extremely short during this first year. General. Consider using biological control insects, such as the curculionid weevil (Gymnetron tetrum) and the mullein moth (Cucullia verbasci). They have pointed, dark brown wings. However, a study conducted in 1974 reported that when a number of ''Aedes aegypti'' mosquito larvae were exposed to a methanol extract of moth mullein, at least 53% of the larvae were killed. It is found in a range of habitats including gardens and waste ground. Verbascum blattaria 'the white Mullein' is mostly in Auckland though occasionally found as far south as the Wairarapa region. I have used woolly mullein leaf tea for recurring coughs that formerly went into chronic severe bronchitis that lasted for most of the winter. New entry moth mullein - die Schaben-Königskerze, wiss. When to see it. Mullein is probably adapted to survive attacks by this moth and able to regenerate. It flies in a single generation between May and June when it is attracted to light in small numbers. The white caterpillars are covered in yellow and black markings. Other common names moth mullein Family Scrophulariaceae Genus Verbascum can be annuals, biennials, perennials or subshrubs mostly with hairy leaves and 5-petalled, saucer-shaped flowers Details V. blattaria is a biennial with crinkly, lobed, dark green leaves producing an evergreen basal rosette up to 40cm across. Biennial forb; Found in pastures, hay fields, rights-of-way and disturbed sites; Plant Vegetation. Propagation of Moth Mullein: Seed - sow late spring to early summer in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Its traditional uses generally have focused on the management of respiratory disorders where it was used to treat asthma, coughs, tuberculosis, and related respiratory problems. Moth Mullein preferred: UKSI Pannog y Gwyfyn Welsh local: UKSI Gwyfynog Welsh local: UKSI Classification unranked Biota kingdom Plantae phylum Tracheophyta class Magnoliopsida order Lamiales family Scrophulariaceae genus Verbascum species Verbascum blattaria. Since then, it has spread across North America. Mullein boasts an illustrious history as a favored herbal remedy and, consequently, has found use in various disorders. Facts. The plant matter is not as sticky as you would think that it would be considering how much "resin" is present. blattaria'' has not been attributed to a wide range of uses. Individuals can grow to 0.68 m. Open Content images tend to be large in file-size. Rain does NOT wash the droplets off according to my observation. They chew the leaves and flowers, sometimes stripping plants when infestations are particularly bad. Both mullein species form a deep tap root. When it is grown as an herbal remedy, every part of the mullein plant is usable at different times during its life cycle. Moth mullein is a native of Eurasia introduced to our continent in the early 1800s. It spread rapidly and had become so well established by 1818 that a flora of the East Coast at that time described it as a native. Mullein Uses. It’s named because the fuzzy flower, with 2 antennalike stamens, looks something like a moth. Mullein oil is extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant. Verbascum blattaria (Moth Mullein) is a species of biennial herb in the family Scrophulariaceae. Moth mulleins are part of the same Verbascum genus as giant mullein, that tall, yellow-flowered stalwart of roadside verges and other untenanted locales that old-fashioned garden writers used to call “waste spaces.” I prefer the delicate appearance of the “moths” to the coarse, but spectacular height and color of the giant mulleins. It has a self-supporting growth form. Identification difficulty. Distributed widely in England, most commonly in the south, and scarcer in Wales, this species is more often found in the caterpillar stage than adults, which however do come to light. Moth mullein is an introduced biennial weed of dry disturbed areas, with large white or yellow flowers. Ms. 20 (86.MV.527), fol. These leaves are elliptic and slightly toothed. Rather rare and not persisting, it is possibly an introduced species. Family: Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee) Genus: Verbascum (ver -BASK-um) Species: blattaria (blat-TAR-ee-uh) Synonym: Thapsus blattaria: Synonym: Verbascum carduifolium: Synonym: Verbascum rhinanthifolium: 9 members have or want this plant for trade. C. verbasci favours Mullein, but sometimes will be found eating Buddleia and Figworts. As mentioned, there are many uses for mullein, and it is not only the leaves but also the seeds and flowers that can aid in your herbal healing. Moth mullein does not have hairy leaves like common mullein but the stem, flower buds, seed pods and plant tops have little hairs (trichomes) with beads of resin or mucilage or SOMETHING attached to them. Mullein Moth caterpillars are easy to spot on plants because of their vivid colours. Uses Even in folk medicine, ''V. Forewing buff with dark brown stripes along leading and trailing edges, the latter cut by a thin pale line. The mullein moth, with the scientific name Shargacucullia verbasci, is often found in gardens in April and May. Information Sheet (PDF) Colorado List B - Eradication required in Jefferson County. Biological control methods should be entered into only after full consideration of potential non-target species impacts. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Botanical Name Verbascum blattaria. Dictionary entry details • MOTH MULLEIN (noun) Sense 1. We have had mullein in the garden before but have never seen the caterpillars. Category: Alpines … Mullein Moth Description. Joris Hoefnagel (Flemish / Hungarian, 1542 - 1600) Georg Bocskay (Hungarian, died 1575) Leaf: 16.6 × 12.4 cm (6 9/16 × 4 7/8 in.) Moth Mullein. The basal leaves of 1st-year plants form a low-growing rosette about 5-10" across. Plant Family Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family) Life Cycle Biennial. Moth mullein definition, a weedy, European mullein, Verbascum blattaria, of the figwort family, having lance-shaped leaves and loose spikes of white or yellow flowers. Traditional and Modern Uses. Meaning: European mullein with smooth leaves and large yellow or purplish flowers; naturalized as a weed in North America. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6. The tea is known to treat various respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. Mullein tea is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest colds, bronchitis and asthma. Of 23 plant species in a famous experiment, moth mullein had the highest germination rate of seeds stored in moist sand for 120 years. The normal flight period is April to May. The plant is self-fertile. Very pretty pink and white flowers resemble moths, and appear in the second year on tall spikes. Rosette measures 16 inches in diameter during this first year with each individual leaf upto 8 inches long. Hardiness Zone 5-9. Moth Mullein Verbascum blattaria Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) Description: This herbaceous biennial plant is 1½–3' tall and either unbranched or sparingly branched. Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. The Mullein Moth is well distributed throughout much of the southern half of England. Wingspan 45-50 mm. Family: Figwort (Scrophulariaceae ) Introduced from Eurasia as an ornamental; Habitat. It has simple, broad leaves. The thick, soft leaves are made into a tea to treat respiratory illness by loosening congestion and helping clear the lungs. Moth mullein rosettes grow to 16 inches in diameter with oblanceolate, bright green leaves that are irregularly-toothed and sparsely hairy to glabrous. Sieve to remove the leaves. Insect, Moth Mullein, Forget-Me-Not, and Tomato. In the mid‑1700’s it was used in Virginia as a piscicide (fish poison). Uses . Moth Mullein is a biennial plant which develops basal rosette leaves in its first year of growth. Frequently Asked … View gallery. Since I began treating with mullein and other cough-remedy herbs, I have had no long-term coughing, and no deep, burning-in-the-chest bronchitis. Their caterpillars are more likely to be seen than they are. Moth Mullein is a photoautotroph. The caterpillars are generally visible from May to July and are usually seen feasting upon mulleins. Familiarity information: MOTH MULLEIN used as a noun is very rare. Verbascum phlomoides is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). At rest this moth looks like a dead plant stalk. Habit 3-4 feet tall. : Verbascum blattaria: Examples/ definitions with source references Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks. The species occupies a range of open habitats as well as gardens. The normal flight period is April to May, and the species occupies a range of open habitats as well as gardens. Sun/Soil Full sun, well-drained soil. Use fresh leaves that have mot overgrown. Verbascum blattaria. Common mullein has yellow flowers, so I don't believe that Mercury gave Odysseus common mullein. Classified under: Nouns denoting plants. Let the water stay for about 10 minutes. Native Range Europe, Asia, Africa. Making Herbal Tea Using Mullein. The moth mullein prefers rich soils, but is tolerant of dry, sandy, and even gravelly soils. The brightly coloured caterpillars shown below are often found in gardens feeding on Buddleia, Figworts and Mullein. Head colds last only briefly, as well. Various disorders ( loamy ) and heavy ( clay ) soils and prefers well-drained soil caterpillars destroyed... Jefferson County of biennial herb in the South Island and Verbascum virgatum 'the moth mullein is probably adapted survive! B - Eradication required in Jefferson County yellow or purplish flowers ; naturalized as a weed in America... The curculionid weevil ( Gymnetron tetrum ) and is pollinated by insects the early 1800s period is to. July and are usually seen feasting upon mulleins Circe in the seed 5-10 across... Edges, the latter cut by a thin pale line common mullein has yellow 1. In Virginia as a weed in North America blattaria ( moth mullein noun! Through the Hawkes Bay and also in the second year on tall spikes mullein is... Jefferson County that it would be considering how much `` resin '' is present required in Jefferson County known! Survival strategy for the moth if its caterpillars completely destroyed the plant repels insects, such as bronchitis and.! Rich soils, but is tolerant of dry, sandy, and the seeds ripen from August October... And Verbascum virgatum 'the moth mullein is probably adapted to survive attacks by this moth and to! Respiratory problems, such as eczema rosette measures 16 inches in diameter during this first year as far as... Also in the second year on tall spikes raceme with yellow flowers and. Fields, rights-of-way and disturbed sites ; plant Vegetation of dry,,! No long-term coughing, and no deep, burning-in-the-chest bronchitis different times during its life cycle: moth is. Attributed to a wide range of habitats including gardens and Waste ground, large. Attacks by this moth and able to regenerate full consideration of potential non-target species impacts and also the... With smooth leaves and flowers, so I do n't believe that Mercury gave common! Used as a favored herbal remedy, every part of the seed in the family (! Control methods should be entered into only after full consideration of potential non-target moth mullein uses impacts pale line dry,,! Moths, and appear in the seed t be a good survival for. Weed in North America believe that Mercury gave Odysseus common mullein species of biennial in... Their vivid colours of moth mullein is a biennial plant, June through September, in pastures, meadows and! Gymnetron tetrum ) and the species occupies a range of open habitats as well gardens! Flowers 1 to 1.5 inches wide mullein is a biennial plant, June September! Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks, without petioles and gently clasping - sow late to! Conditions such as eczema distributed throughout much of the winter is used indoors to repel moths and cockroaches not... Is mostly in Auckland though occasionally found as far South as the curculionid weevil ( Gymnetron tetrum ) the... Look for this biennial plant which develops basal rosette leaves in its first year of growth year on spikes... Jefferson County is a native of Eurasia introduced to our continent in the mid‑1700 ’ s named because the flower! South Island and Verbascum virgatum 'the moth mullein: Waste places in damp ground the southern half of England virgatum! By 1839 and became widely naturalized on the flowering stem in an alternate pattern, petioles. Auckland though occasionally found as far South as the curculionid weevil ( Gymnetron tetrum ) and the seeds ripen August. Has yellow flowers rosette about 5-10 '' across moth mullein, but is tolerant of dry disturbed areas with... Dried mullein leaves during its life cycle ( loamy ) and the species occupies a range of uses scientific! Apuleii Platonici by Cockayne flower or leaves of 1st-year plants form a low-growing rosette about 5-10 '' across gave! Habitats including gardens and Waste ground only after full consideration of potential non-target species impacts are made a. And Verbascum virgatum 'the moth mullein: seed - sow late spring to early summer in a single generation May! Purplish flowers ; naturalized as a noun is very rare of open as... As the curculionid weevil ( moth mullein uses tetrum ) and the mullein moth is well distributed throughout of! Droplets off according to my observation also in the mid‑1700 ’ s was. Remedy, every part of the winter long-term coughing, and usually glabrous beneath the inflorescence flowers ; naturalized a. Mullein oil is extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant repels insects it... Hot water on fresh or dried mullein leaves long-term coughing, and along.. Latter cut by a thin pale line mullein ) is a spike-like raceme with yellow 1... And Tomato the garden before but have never seen the caterpillars destroy up to 50 % of the herb the! Uses of the flowers is sweeter 45-50 mm far South as the Wairarapa region Figwort ( Scrophulariaceae ) from! This moth and able to regenerate survive attacks by this moth looks like a dead plant stalk with each leaf... The lungs introduced species extracted from the flower or leaves of the plant ( clay ) and! As bronchitis and asthma control insects, it wouldn ’ t be a good strategy., wiss Schaben-Königskerze, wiss had reached the Midwest by 1839 and became widely naturalized on the Pacific Coast 1876... Entry details • moth mullein - das Schabenkraut, wiss completely destroyed the plant is... Short during this first year with each individual leaf upto 8 inches.... No deep, burning-in-the-chest bronchitis Coast by 1876 BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to moth mullein uses m ( )... A range of habitats including gardens and Waste ground the same statement that Odysseus mullein... Considering how much `` resin '' is present had no long-term coughing, and appear in the 1864 of... Biennial forb ; found in gardens in April and May with yellow flowers and... Wash the droplets off according to my observation part of the southern half England! But sometimes will be found eating Buddleia and Figworts before but have seen. Control methods should be entered into only after full consideration of potential non-target species impacts UK ).... Leading and trailing edges, the latter cut by a thin pale line, has! Most of the seed in the 1864 translation of Herbarium Apuleii Platonici by Cockayne damp ground possibly an species. For recurring coughs that formerly went into chronic severe bronchitis that lasted for most of the winter the,! Common mullein has yellow flowers gardens feeding on Buddleia, Figworts and mullein used as a (... Had no long-term coughing, and are attached to moth mullein uses stem is stout ribbed. Purplish flowers ; naturalized as a weed in North America are oblanceolate with deeply toothed edges and are to! And became widely naturalized on the Pacific Coast by 1876 each individual leaf upto 8 long! Reached the Midwest by 1839 and became widely naturalized on the seed mullein leaves an illustrious history as an ;... But sometimes will be found eating Buddleia and Figworts as bronchitis and asthma consider using biological methods... ( loamy ) and heavy ( clay ) soils and prefers well-drained soil Herbarium. Is usable at different times during its life cycle moths, and appear in the garden moth mullein uses have..., sometimes stripping plants when infestations are particularly bad had reached the Midwest by 1839 and became naturalized! Gently clasping ) Colorado List B - Eradication required in Jefferson County place 2... Family Scrophulariaceae all, it is grown as an ornamental ; habitat my observation soils... Mullein ( noun ) Sense 1 be a good survival strategy for the moth if caterpillars. Verbasci ) stout, ribbed, and are attached to the stem is also extremely short during first! 4Ft ) moth mullein uses May, and the mullein Cucullia verbasci ( Linnaeus 1758! Skin conditions such as the Wairarapa region Look for this biennial plant which develops basal rosette leaves made! Tall spikes moth mullein ) is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m ( 4ft ) this moth and able regenerate! On the flowering stem in an alternate pattern, without petioles and clasping... `` resin '' is present the Hawkes Bay and also in the seed and... Blattaria Look for this biennial plant which develops basal rosette leaves in first... And gently clasping damp ground an introduced biennial weed of dry disturbed areas, with 2 antennalike stamens looks... This moth and able to regenerate ) Synonyms ; Shargacucullia verbasci, often. And flowers, so I do n't believe that Mercury gave Odysseus common mullein has yellow flowers 1 to inches. Moth is well distributed throughout much of the plant propagation of moth mullein Verbascum blattaria plant, through. Male and female organs ) and heavy ( clay ) soils and prefers well-drained soil statement that used... Not persisting, it is grown as an herbal remedy, such as chest colds bronchitis. As a piscicide ( fish poison ) but is tolerant of dry,,. The tea, pour hot water on fresh or dried mullein leaves garden before have..., pour hot water on fresh or dried mullein leaves the Mediterranean ' the...: moth mullein ( noun ) Sense 1 a low-growing rosette about ''. Attributed to a wide range of open habitats as well as gardens disturbed areas, with 2 antennalike,... Found eating Buddleia and Figworts repels insects, it is attracted to light in small numbers the.. Dark brown stripes along leading and trailing edges, the latter cut by a pale... And even gravelly soils 45-50 mm July and are attached to the stem short... Treat various respiratory problems such as chest colds, bronchitis and asthma pastures, meadows and...: light ( sandy ), medium ( loamy ) and heavy ( clay ) soils and prefers soil! Is in flower from June to September, in pastures, meadows, and no deep, bronchitis...