Moth Mullein

Biological Name:

Moth-Mullein – Verbascum blattaria

Natural Habitat:

Moth-Mullein is a type of flowering plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It can be found in dry, open areas, such as fields and grasslands.

Description:

Moth-mullein is a type of flowering plant that is commonly found in fields and other grassy areas. It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family which also includes plants such as figworts and snapdragons. Moth-mullein is an annual or perennial plant that produces small white or yellow flowers and clusters of seeds. The plant is often used as a cover crop to improve soil health and suppress weeds. It is also known for its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions including wet or dry soils. In some areas moth-mullein is considered a weed because of its ability to invade cultivated areas and cause allergies and other health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is moth mullein good for?
A: Mullein is used for cough, whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis, hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches, colds, chills, flu, swine flu, fever, allergies, tonsillitis, and sore throat. Other uses include asthma, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleeding, migraines, joint pain, and gout.
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Q: What is mullein side effects?
A: Side effects Some species of mullein may cause contact dermatitis , a skin reaction that can cause itching, rash, and irritation. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, be sure to do a patch skin test before using mullein on your skin.
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Q: Does mullein help you sleep?
A: Mullein tea is a natural sedative that might aid with sleep issues (01). Mullein has sedative effects in its roots, leaves, and flowers, which can help with sleep problems (10). Experts believe that this tea contains a chemical that serves as a natural sedative and aids in sleep induction.
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Q: How often should you drink mullein tea?
A: You can make your own mullein tea at home by combining 1 cup of boiling water with 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves or flowers and letting the mixture steep for ten to 15 minutes. This tea should be consumed one to four times per day for medicinal reasons.
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Q: Is moth mullein the same as mullein?
A: Common name Verbascum blattaria is more commonly referred to as the moth mullein, so named because of the resemblance of its flower’s stamens to a moth’s antennae. This is not to be confused with the more popular and widely known common mullein (V. thapsus), a close relative of V. blattaria.
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Q: Does mullein clean your lungs?
A: Mullein has been used traditionally as a remedy for the respiratory tract, including bronchitis. It works as an expectorant, meaning it helps expel mucus. Expectorant herbs help loosen bronchial secretions and make elimination of mucus easier.
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Q: What form of mullein is best?
A: The most popular type commercially used is common mullein (Verbascum thapsus). The leaves are harvested near the bottom of the plant and used either fresh or dried to make various products.
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Q: Is mullein leaf a narcotic?
A: The whole plant possesses slightly sedative and narcotic properties. The seeds are mostly used as a narcotic and also contain saponins. The dried leaves are sometimes smoked to relieve the irritation of the respiratory mucus membranes, and for hacking coughs.
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Q: Is mullein moth rare?
A: The Mullein Moth is well distributed throughout much of the southern half of England. It flies in a single generation between May and June when it is attracted to light in small numbers. It is found in a range of habitats including gardens and waste ground.
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Q: How does mullein make you feel?
A: Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. Studies show that demulcents create a soothing anti-inflammatory coating over mucous membranes.
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Q: Can mullein be toxic?
A: Mullein leaves and flowers are on the FDA’s GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list, and there have been no credible reports of serious adverse effects. However, mullein seeds contain the insecticide and fish poison rotenone. While rotenone is relatively safe in humans, it does present some toxic risks.
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Q: What insects does mullein attract?
A: Bumblebees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, where they seek nectar and pollen. Other insect visitors, which seek pollen, include Halictid bees and Syrphid flies.
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Q: How do I get rid of mullein moths?
A: They have a voracious appetite for verbascums, figworts and buddlejas. After they finish feeding, they pupate and overwinter in the soil. The moth then emerges in spring and lays its eggs. Picking off the caterpillars by hand or spraying them with a suitable insecticide will soon put a stop to the damage.
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Q: Is moth mullein invasive?
A: Verbascum blattaria, or moth mullein, is a flowering biennial weed belonging to the Scrophulariaceae (figwort) family. An invasive species native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has naturalized in the United States and most of Canada since its introduction. It has been declared a noxious weed by the state of Colorado.
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Q: What does mullein moth eat?
A: Symptoms. Caterpillars eat holes in the leaves of verbascums, buddleia and figwort. In severe cases, the plant’s leaves are completely decimated.
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Q: Why is mullein invasive?
A: It grows even stronger and with more vigor here. Mullein is an easy-to-grow plant, often seen growing in fields and ditches. Because of its ease to grow and spread uncontrollably it is considered an invasive weed in many states, including Colorado.
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Q: What kills common mullein?
A: Chemical: Young mullein rosettes can be killed with a foliar spray of glyphosate solu- tion (RoundUp®, etc.) and its large leaves make for excellent chemical absorption. However, the herbicide must be applied with enough volume and vigor to penetrate the thick hairs on the leaves.
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Q: Is common mullein poisonous?
A: Mullein leaves and flowers are on the FDA’s GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list, and there have been no credible reports of serious adverse effects. However, mullein seeds contain the insecticide and fish poison rotenone. While rotenone is relatively safe in humans, it does present some toxic risks.
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Q: Is moth mullein a wildflower?
A: Wildflowers of the United States Verbascum blattaria – Moth Mullein. Another mullein with showy yellow (or white) flowers that you’ll frequently see along roadsides throughout most of the United States.
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Q: How invasive is mullein?
A: Mullein is an easy-to-grow plant, often seen growing in fields and ditches. Because of its ease to grow and spread uncontrollably it is considered an invasive weed in many states, including Colorado.
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Q: Are mullein plants poisonous?
A: Mullein leaves and flowers are on the FDA’s GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list, and there have been no credible reports of serious adverse effects. However, mullein seeds contain the insecticide and fish poison rotenone. While rotenone is relatively safe in humans, it does present some toxic risks.
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Q: Which is better mullein leaves or flowers?
A: Traditional and Modern Uses Mullein leaf tea is slightly bitter; a tea of the flowers is sweeter. Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive.
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Q: How do I get rid of mullein moth caterpillars?
A: After they finish feeding, they pupate and overwinter in the soil. The moth then emerges in spring and lays its eggs. Picking off the caterpillars by hand or spraying them with a suitable insecticide will soon put a stop to the damage.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.