Verbascum nigrum L.
Black Mullein
Dark mullein is a native biennial or short-lived perennial that makes a striking vertical statement. In its first year it forms a rosette of dark green, wrinkled, somewhat heart-based leaves; in the second it sends up slender, often branched spikes that can reach well over a metre.
About
Dark mullein is a native biennial or short-lived perennial that makes a striking vertical statement. In its first year it forms a rosette of dark green, wrinkled, somewhat heart-based leaves; in the second it sends up slender, often branched spikes that can reach well over a metre. These are studded with five-petalled yellow flowers, each centred by a cluster of stamens clothed in vivid violet-purple wool, the detail that gives the plant much of its charm.
It grows on well-drained, usually calcareous soils in open, sunny situations such as grassy banks, roadside verges, hedge banks, walls and the margins of cultivated and waste ground. Flowering over a long season from around June into autumn, the nectar- and pollen-rich blooms are excellent for bees and other pollinating insects, and it features on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list. Its height and long flowering make it a fine accent for sunny borders, gravel plantings and meadow edges.
Also known as
Dark Mullein
Synonyms
Thapsus niger · Verbascum urticaefolium · Verbascum virens
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.