Plants have unique and surprising ways of letting us know who they are and why they are with us. A recent case in point occurred just outside by back door, right under my nose, but for some reason I didn’t get the memo!
As I’ve said before, my rather small backyard includes several garden boxes surrounded by what I call my “wildflower meadow.” Several years ago, I tossed a pack of wildflower seeds which included a mix of annual and perennials that thrive locally. Every year since this original planting, different flowering botanicals show up and bloom, and I never know what to expect.
This past season I was amazed by numerous MULLEIN plants that showed up in such a small area. Mullein seeds were not among those that I planted myself, so I assumed they blew in with the high desert mountain winds. I was actually more concerned about how to control such an “outbreak,” rather than considering what this group of unexpected guests might have to tell me. Duh!!
It is said that plants show up in our personal space for a specific reason. Mullein is a unique looking plant with a nest-like base of soft, fuzzy leaves that sprout a long spike covered with tiny yellow flowers.
It grows wild in certain parts of the country. I took this photo on a local hike a few years ago.
You can see why folklore tells us that these spikes were once used as candle wicks, and contemporary hikers say the leaves can replace toilet paper in a pinch! But like many herbs, the whole plant has a variety of medicinal uses.
In recent decades Mullein has earned a reputation for its overall support of the lungs and respiratory system. It is often a main ingredient in commercially prepared ear oils along with Garlic and other anti-bacterial herbs. So, when I think about it at this later time as we are in the midst of cold and flu season, this plant was showing up just in time for me to make tinctures to prepare for what respiratory issue might need to be treated.
I never counted how many mullein plants grew, but there were over two dozen, including this big grandfather who was among the first to sprout up closest to my house!
Well, since I missed the call to action and prepare for the season by making tinctures, I didn’t get the full benefit of this visit. I did manage to gather some of the yellow flowers you see in the above photo to make a potion that helps soothe skin irritations. Of course, I had to make a deal with the bees to share them. The close proximity to my boxes encouraged these pollinators to find my veggies, so this was another benefit that this plant brought into my garden space.
It’s mid-winter, but I just looked outside, and it seems Grandfather Mullein is hiding from the cold under wilting leaves, but is ready to return with the spring temperatures.
I thank him for his patience as I post this article and, if given another chance, I’ll take advantage of what this amazing plant has to offer!
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