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			British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide             |  | 
 
                   
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                                Great 
                                  Mullein(Verbascum thapsus)
 a.k.a. common mullein, hedge taper, torch
 
                        
                          
                            Great 
                              Mullein is a biennial herb belonging to the aster 
                              family. It can reach up to 2 metres in height. The 
                              stalks will stand all winter long and the  
                              plant is covered with hairs.  
                        
                          
                            
  
                              
                               
                                LEAVES: 
                                   
                                - 
                                  Great Mullein leaves can be up to 45 cm. long 
                                   
                                - 
                                  alternate on stem, becoming smaller farther 
                                  along the stem; eventually lacking a stalk completely 
                                   
                                - 
                                  coarse, flannel-like  
                                - 
                                  the base of the leaf form long ribs  
                                - 
                                  are broader at the base and more tapered as 
                                  progress up stalk  
                                - 
                                  cover the entire stalk at the top  
                                
                                FLOWERS: 
                                   
                                - 
                                  yellow, sometimes whitish  
                                - 
                                  1-3 cm. in size, primarily stalkless, 5 petals 
                                  or lobes and 5 yellow stamens  
                                - 
                                  pleasant odour  
                                - 
                                  bloom June through August  
                                - 
                                  are sporadic along the stalk  
                                
                                FRUIT: 
                                   
                                - 
                                  egg-shaped capsules with numerous small seeds 
                                   
                                
                                HABITAT: 
                                   
                                - 
                                  Great Mullein is found in dry areas such as 
                                  roadsides and fields  
                                - 
                                  Great Mullein can survive even in poor soil 
                                   
                                - 
                                  Great Mullein appear at low elevations in southern 
                                  BC  
                                
                                FASCINATING 
                                  FACTS:  
                                - 
                                  Great Mullein was introduced from Europe it 
                                  is now found throughout much of North America 
                                   
                                - 
                                  the leaves have been smoked by indigenous peoples 
                                   
                                - 
                                  this plant is popular in herbal medicine for 
                                  a variety of uses  
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