VERBASCUM, MULLEIN; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants. There are 12 species, of which the most remarkable are, 1. The thapsus or great mullein, with downy leaves running along the stem, and yellow blossoms, terminating in a long spike. It is a native of Britain, growing commonly on dry banks of ditches. Externally used it is an emollient, and its leaves are by some reckoned a specific for the piles. It is said to intoxicate fish so that they may be taken with the hand. In Norway it is given to cows that are consumptive. The down serves for tinder. Neither cows, goats, sheep, horses, nor swine, willingly eat of it. 2. The nigrum, or black mullein, having a stem beset with hairs that are beautifully branched; the blossoms yellow, with purple tips. This is also a native of Britain, growing under hedges, and by road-sides. It is a beautiful plant, and the flowers are grateful to bees: swine eat it; sheep are not fond of it; cows, horses, and goats, refuse it.