Latin name: Verbascum thapsus
Common name: Great mullein
Other names: Aaron’s rod, Adam’s flannel, beggar’s blanket, bullock’s lungwort, candlewick, duffle, felt, fluffweed, hag taper, hare’s beard, Jupiter’s staff, lady’s candle, light of the lord, lucernaria, torch lily, velvet dock, woollens, woundweed
How to spot it and where to find it: An erect biennial or perennial, great mullein grows a rosette of large, grey-green, downy leaves, with a tall stem that bears a spike of pale yellow saucer-shaped flowers. It can grow to 2m and likes open, sunny spaces. Great mullein can be found on waste ground, grassy verges and coastal paths.
Interesting facts: Herbalists have been using great mullein for centuries, as it has several medicinal properties. The plant is widespread, growing across Africa, Asia, China and North America, and…
