Verbascum pulverulentum aka Broad Leaf Mullein

Verbascum pulverulentum is known as hoary mullein or broad-leaf mullein. It belongs to the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae. This biennial grows to about 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Its native range covers parts of Europe, including Britain. It extends south to Spain and east to Greece. In Britain, it is a rare roadside native in Norfolk and Suffolk. It also occurs as a rare casual plant elsewhere.

The plant flowers from July to August. Its seeds ripen from August to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Flies, moths and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The species is also self-fertile. It can cross with other members of its genus. Most offspring from these crosses cannot produce fertile seed. Leaf hairs can cause irritation, so handling the foliage needs care.

Grow this mullein in full sun with good drainage. It does not grow in shade and dislikes wet soil. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils when drainage is good. Light soil suits it best, and it thrives on chalk. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral and alkaline ground. It can also grow in very alkaline soil. Dry or moist soil can suit it. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 3–7. Cultivated beds offer a place to grow it in gardens.

Seed provides a way to raise new plants. Sow from late spring to early summer in a cold frame. Cover the seeds with only a thin layer of soil. They usually sprout within two to three weeks. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outdoors in late summer. Stored seed can remain viable for a long time. Plants For A Future does not flag this species as weedy.

No edible uses are known for this plant. The leaves contain rotenone and coumarin, but their amounts are not stated. Rotenone has insecticidal uses, while coumarin can hinder blood clotting. These hazards give reason not to treat it as food. A recorded medicinal use involves removing tapeworms, perhaps with the seeds. The source does not clearly identify the part used. This record does not establish safe treatment or a suitable dose.