Verbascum nigrum
dark mullein
Overview
Verbascum nigrum is a biennial or short-lived perennial in the figwort family, producing one or several upright flowering spikes 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) tall. The basal leaves are oblong with a heart-shaped or squared base, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long, dark green and softly hairy on the upper surface. In the first year the plant forms a leaf rosette; in the second it sends up slender, often branched spikes densely set with flowers. Each flower is 0.6-0.9 inches (15-22 mm) across, with five yellow petals and a centre of five stamens clothed in violet or purple woolly hairs. Flowering runs from June to September, opening from the base of the spike upward. The narrow capsules that follow hold numerous tiny brown seeds. The species grows on roadsides, hedge banks, field margins, and dry calcareous grassland across lowland areas. It tolerates poor, stony soils and full exposure but is short-lived and depends on self-seeding to maintain a stand. On heavy, wet ground the rosettes rot over winter.
Native Range
Native across Europe and into western and central Asia, from Britain and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and east to the Caucasus. In Britain it is most frequent in central and southern England.Suggested Uses
Planted in gravel gardens, dry borders, and wildflower or meadow plantings on poor soils. The vertical spikes add height among lower mounded plants. It supports bees and hoverflies through summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from June to September, beginning at the base of the spike and progressing upward over several weeks. Individual flowers last a day or two, with new ones opening daily. Bees and hoverflies visit for pollen, drawn in part by the coloured filament hairs.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight