Great mullein (Verbascum thapsus) According to an Old Testament story, the rod of Levi on which Aaron's name was inscribed produced buds and blossoms when placed in the Tabernacle; this is how the great mullein acquired one of its names: Aaron's rod. Before the introduction of cotton to Britain, the fluffy layer of hairs coating its leaves were scraped off and made into candlewicks, and at gatherings the whole stem used to be burnt as a flare, hence the name 'candlewick plant'. Although most parts of the plant are poisonous, the dried flowers were used to relieve coughs and chills; mixed with tobacco and smoked, the crushed dried leaves were believed to have the same effect. The flowers can be used to make a yellow dye.
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/14840">Evelyn Simak</a>
CC BY-SA 2.0
From <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/867448">geograph.org.uk</a>