Great mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Dynamic accumulator

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Robust biennial plant that forms a rosette in the first year and a tall yellow flower stalk in the second. Its deep taproot helps to decompact the soil and mobilise nutrients from the deep layers. In the food forest, it occupies the herbaceous layer as a dynamic accumulator, biomass producer and shelter for beneficial insects.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees great mullein grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Biennial herbaceous plant up to 2 m
Mature diameter: 0.5 m
Soils: Sandy, Loam, Limestone
Climates: Hot, dry Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Harvest — Planting
October — Planting
November
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The leaves and flowers are frequently used in infusions for their expectorant and soothing properties in the treatment of respiratory problems.

Where to buy

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.