tullein

Tullein is a common name used in some English dialects to refer to the plant more widely known as mullein, particularly Verbascum thapsus, a flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae. The term can also be encountered as a regional name for other Verbascum species.

Great mullein typically forms a low rosette of large, woolly, gray-green leaves during its first year. In the second year it sends up a tall spike that can reach several feet in height, bearing dense racemes of bright yellow flowers from midsummer to early autumn. The leaves are soft to touch and have a woolly texture that helps conserve water.

Native to Europe and western Asia, mullein has become naturalized in many parts of North America and other temperate regions. It favors open, sunny sites such as roadsides, meadows, and disturbed ground and tolerates poor, dry soils.

It attracts pollinators, particularly bees. It is valued in gardens for its architectural flower spike and as a drought-tolerant biennial. It can be grown from seed sown in spring; plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. In some regions it is considered a weed due to its prolific seeding.

Historically, mullein has been used in folk medicine for respiratory ailments and as a poultice for wounds. Modern evidence for its effectiveness is limited, and the plant can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It should not be ingested without guidance from a qualified professional.

A regional name such as tullein reflects dialectal variation in English plant names; the plant is more widely recognized by the scientific name Verbascum thapsus (great mullein).