Mullein – The Tall Fuzzy Green Plant Known for Herbal Magic

Do you have the mysterious fuzzy green plant growing in your yard or in your garden? Congratulations – you have wild common mullein growing on your property! This is exciting because mullein is a wonderful medicinal plant that you should be utilizing in your life. Here’s everything you need to know about mullein – including it’s origins in herbal magic.

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What is Mullein?

Mullein (botanical name: Verbascum thapsus) is a biennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, though it’s now naturalized throughout North America and many other parts of the world. In its first year, mullein forms a rosette of soft, fuzzy, gray-green leaves. By the second year, it sends up a tall flowering stalk that can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet, studded with small yellow blossoms.

It thrives in dry, well-drained soils and is often found in disturbed areas like roadsides, pastures, and open meadows. Mullein is known for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils — making it a resilient and beneficial addition to wild gardens and herb patches alike.

Large Mullein Plant Growing in Spring Garden Bed

Is Mullein Plant Edible?

Yes — but with a few caveats.

Leaves: Mullein leaves are technically edible, though their dense, fuzzy texture isn’t especially pleasant raw. Cook the leaves or steep in teas. Always strain well to avoid throat irritation from the tiny hairs.
Flowers: Mullein flowers are edible and often used in teas or infused oils.
Roots: Less commonly used, but mullein roots have historical medicinal uses.

Important: While mullein is generally considered safe, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional before using any wild plant medicinally or consuming it in quantity.

Medicinal Benefits of Mullein Plant

This plant has been used for centuries in medicine for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Here are some of its key medicinal benefits:

Respiratory support: Mullein is perhaps best known as a respiratory herb. Use the leaves and flowers in teas, tinctures, or smoking blends to help relieve coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and other lung issues. It acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus, and as a demulcent, soothing inflamed tissues.
Earaches: Mullein flower oil is a popular natural remedy for earaches, often combined with garlic oil for its antimicrobial properties.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial: The plant contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and fight bacterial infections, making it useful for topical applications on wounds and skin irritations.
Pain relief: It has mild analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, particularly for sore throats, use as a tea or gargle.

How To Consume Mullein Medicinally

Common mullein can be found growing everywhere and so that makes it an even easier medicinal herb to add to your life. There are several ways to introduce this herb in your daily routines at home:

Tea: Steep dried mullein leaves or flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh or cloth to remove tiny hairs that might irritate the throat.
Infused Oil: Infuse the flowers in olive oil and use as ear drops for earaches or applied to the skin for wounds and irritations.
Tincture: Steep leaves or flowers in alcohol (like vodka) for several weeks to create a tincture for internal use in small doses. I use the mullein tincture in teas to easily consume without tasting the vodka.
Smoke or Vapor: Traditionally, mullein leaves have been smoked or vaporized to ease respiratory congestion. While not advisable for everyone, it has historical uses in herbal smoking blends.

Supporting Native Pollinators

While mullein isn’t a native plant in North America, it’s surprisingly popular with local pollinators:

Bees visit the bright yellow flowers for pollen (mullein doesn’t produce nectar).
Butterflies and moths are attracted to the tall, visible flowering spikes.
Hoverflies — important predatory insects in the garden — use the flowers for shelter and pollen.

Letting your mullein flower and go to seed in a wild corner of your garden can help sustain beneficial insect populations, especially in late summer when other food sources dwindle.

Collecting, Storing, and Sowing Seeds

Collecting and propagating your own mullein seeds is simple and rewarding. For more details on how to save seeds, check out our collection of seed saving articles here.

Wait for the seed pods to form after flowering in late summer.
Harvest seed pods once they turn brown and dry on the stalk.
Shake out the tiny black seeds into a paper envelope or jar.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
Sow seeds in fall by scattering them on bare soil, or sow indoors in early spring after 4–6 weeks of cold stratification in the fridge. (Cold stratification is tricky, so I don’t recommend this).
Lightly press seeds into the soil surface — they need light to germinate.
Water sparingly and transplant when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.

Tips for Growing Mullein

If you’re thinking of adding mullein to your garden here are some key things to remember. It’s not a typical plant that enjoys good, rich soil. Mullein likes hard work.

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot with lean soil — mullein thrives in tough conditions.
Start from seed either by direct sowing in fall (for natural cold stratification) or in early spring.
Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart; mullein needs space for its rosette and tall flower stalk.
Avoid fertilizing — rich soils can make it floppy.
Deadhead if you want to prevent self-seeding, or leave a few stalks to reseed for next season’s plants and for wildlife.

Tips for Harvesting and Drying

When foraging or harvesting mullein for medicinal or crafting uses, timing and handling are key:

Harvest leaves in the first year before the flower stalk appears, when they’re large, soft, and free of damage. Morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, is ideal. Leaves can be harvested in the second year, when the large stalks are more easily recognized.
Pick flowers in the second year as they open — they bloom sequentially from the bottom of the stalk upward, so you’ll need to harvest over several days.
Dry leaves and flowers in a single layer on a screen or paper towel in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Alternatively, use a dehydrator on the lowest setting to slowly dry out over a long time to keep the medicinal aspects.
Store dried mullein in a glass jar away from light and moisture for up to a year.

Always wear gloves when handling mullein to avoid irritation from the tiny hairs on the leaves!

How to Use Mullein Flowers and Leaves to Dye Fabric Naturally

Mullein isn’t just medicinal — it’s also a traditional natural dye plant! The flowers produce a soft yellow dye. The leaves yield shades of green-gray depending on the mordant (a fixative that helps dye bind to fabric).

Basic Dye Method:

Gather fresh or dried mullein leaves or flowers.
Simmer the plant material in water for 30–60 minutes to extract the color.
Strain out the plant matter.
Add a pre-mordanted natural fabric (like cotton, linen, or wool) to the dye bath.
Simmer gently for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Rinse and hang to dry.

Experiment with different mordants like alum or iron for varied hues.

Mullein Plant’s Folklore, Mythology and Herbal Magic

I found a lot of interesting stories involving mullein due to it’s tall flower stalks and it’s velvety leaves. Mullein was – and still is by some, regarded as a plant of light, protection and healing.

The Folklore

The folklore stretches across ancient Europe, the Mediterranean, and even into colonial American traditions. Its appearance — with tall, candle-like flower stalks and soft, velvety leaves — made it a natural subject for myth, superstition, and folk practices.

Names rooted in folklore: Mullein was known by many names that reflect its folk uses — hag’s taper, candlewick plant, torches of the gods, and Aaron’s rod. These names suggest its role as both a light-bringer and a protective charm.
As a torch plant: In ancient Rome, mullein flower stalks were dipped in tallow or wax and used as torches during festivals and processions. In rural Europe, it was believed that carrying a lit mullein torch would keep evil spirits and witches at bay during nighttime journeys.
Protecting livestock and homes: Farmers would hang mullein in stables or barns to protect animals from malevolent forces and disease. In some regions, bundles of mullein were placed above doors or windows to guard against curses, hexes, or the evil eye.
Folk medicine beliefs: Mullein tea or infusions were given to children and the sick not only for their physical ailments but to protect them from supernatural causes of illness — like fairy mischief or spirit possession, which many communities blamed for unexplained sickness.
In weddings and rites of passage: In parts of the British Isles, mullein flowers were added to garlands for midsummer weddings or solstice festivals as a symbol of fertility and warding off harm during vulnerable times.

Mythology and Herbal Magic

I love mythology and magic history, and common medicinal herbs like mullein are rich in tales and history. I had to add a section here to share some details.

A sacred plant of Hecate: In some ancient texts, mullein was associated with Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic, crossroads, and the underworld. Its torches were believed to light the way for travelers between worlds and to guard against restless spirits.
Used in ancient love magic: Mullein leaves and flowers were carried in charms or sachets to attract love or fidelity. In some traditions, a stalk of mullein kept under the bed was thought to protect against betrayal in romantic relationships.
Dreamwork and divination: Herbalists would place mullein leaves under pillows to invite prophetic dreams or to communicate with ancestors. Some folklore suggested that burning mullein leaves before sleep would grant visions or warnings from the spirit world.
Protection against witchcraft: Ironically, though associated with witches, mullein was also believed to repel harmful magic. It was burned in homes or scattered around thresholds to prevent curses, hexes, or spirit visitations.
In healing magic: Mullein was believed to possess not just medicinal, but metaphysical healing powers. Tying a sprig of mullein around the neck was thought to ease sore throats or respiratory ailments while also warding off illness-causing spirits.
In modern witchcraft and green magic: Today, mullein is still valued in folk magic practices. It’s often added to protection bundles, used in smoke cleansing for homes, or carried as a protective talisman. Its association with light makes it a symbolic plant for clarity, enlightenment, and safely navigating the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Mullein Invasive?

Mullein self-sees prolifically and spreads in open areas, however it’s not considered aggressively invasive in most places. Regular deadheading can help control its spread.

Can I Grow Mullein Indoors?

Mullein prefers outdoor conditions with full sun and dry soil, but you can grow it indoors in a bright, sunny spot if you have a deep enough container.

Are All Parts of the Mullein Plant Medicinal?

Primarily, the leaves and flowers are used medicinally. The roots have some traditional uses but are not commonly used today.

How do you Harvest Mullein?

Harvest leaves in the first year before the plant bolts, and flowers in the second year when they’re bright yellow and fresh. However, you can harvest the leaves in the second year as well when the plant flowers! Dry both parts thoroughly before storing.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this article on all things mullein. If you did make sure you check out the other growing guides, seed saving guides and our recipes. We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us. If you have any questions about mullein or would like to share some of your knowledge with us please leave a comment below. Happy Gardening!