Verbascum boerhavii, commonly known as Annual Mullein, is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Spain, France, Italy, the Balearic Islands, and Corsica. It thrives in open areas such as meadows, roadsides, and disturbed soils, often in calcareous substrates. This species typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm, with a rosette of basal leaves and an erect stem bearing yellow flowers. The flowering season extends from June to September, with flowers arranged in a dense spike inflorescence, providing a modest display. The plant is characterized by its hairy leaves and stems, which can be an irritant to some people.

Annual Mullein is valued for its ease of growth and its traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly for the treatment of hemorrhoids. It is also known for its content of poliumoside, a phenylpropanoid glycoside with potential anti-inflammatory properties. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, it can be utilized in wildflower gardens or as part of a naturalistic planting scheme. Care should be taken as it can self-seed prolifically and may become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0