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Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District Great Mullein (Common Mullien) The non-native (Eurasia) Great Mullein is common in our area. It prefers full sun and medium to dry soil. Habitats include limestone glades, rocky slopes, pastures, fallow fields and roadsides. This biennial becomes 3-7' tall in its second year. In its first year it consists of a rosette of basal leaves about 1-2' across. The alternate leaves are up to 12" long and 4" across, becoming progressively smaller up the stem and are covered with fine downy hairs giving the leaves a whitish or grayish green color. The central stem terminates in a dense spike of flowers about ½–2' long. Each flower is about ¾" across with 5 pale yellow petals.
Great Mullien at Maramech Forest Preserve July 1, 2013
Great Mullien at Subat Forest Preserve July 1, 2013
Great Mullien (pre-blooming) at Maramech Forest Preserve June 15, 2013
Great Mullien at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve October 29, 2014 (fall stalk with seeds)
Mullien was first introduced to Native Americans by the Europeans. A tobacco-like plant and one of the oldest herbs, it had a long history in Europe as a medicine to treat asthma and respiratory disorders. Native Americans, including the Menominee, Forest Potawatomi, Mohegan, and Penobscot often inhaled the smoke from smoldering mullein roots and leaves to soothe asthma attacks, chest congestion, and other respiratory disorders. The roots were made into a warm decoction for soaking swollen feet, reducing swelling in joints or other areas. The Catawba Indians used a sweetened syrup from the boiled root, which they gave to their children for cough. A tea can be made from the flowers as a herbal remedy for sore throat, cough, and lung diseases or for a mild sedative. Extracts made from the flowers are used in the treatment of ear infections. Mullien leaves were put in moccasins to counter odor bacteria. Mullien seeds are slightly narcotic. Native Americans threw them into water to intoxicate fish for easy spearing. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice. Click here for more information. Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved. |
