Verbascum sinuatum: Characteristics, care and cultivation
Verbascum sinuatum, Popularly known as sinuate mulleinThe cigutre, tientayernos, or shame flower, is a herbaceous plant of the Scrophulariaceae family, noted for both its ornamental and medicinal value. This species is prized in gardening for its showy inflorescences and its hardiness, and has also been traditionally used in natural preparations to treat various respiratory ailments and as a wound healing agent.
In this article we explore in depth its Botanical characteristics, Its cultivation needs, uses, distribution and the ethnobotanical curiosities that surround this fascinating plant.
Botanical description and visual appearance
Verbascum sinuatum It is a vigorously growing biennial plant that can exceed one meter in height. It is characterized by its highly branched appearance and a basal rosette of large lobed leaves and with wavy edges, hence its epithet "sinuatum" which means "with wavy edge."
The upper, smaller leaves are arranged along the stem, which is thick and robust. The entire plant is covered with a dense velvety white fluff (indument) formed by star-shaped trichomes, which gives it a woolly appearance and extra protection against drought and intense sun.
The flowers They draw attention for their bright yellow color, with five petals and stamens covered in violet or purplish hairs. The inflorescences appear in highly branched clusters or spikes, providing a notable visual appeal during the flowering season.
Geographic distribution and habitat
Verbascum sinuatum It is widely distributed in Mediterranean regions, from southern Europe and North Africa (including the Canary Islands) to parts of the Near East. On the Iberian Peninsula, it is regularly found in the Valencian Community and other warm, dry areas, although it is absent in Galicia and scarcely present in the Cantabrian region.
Prefer open, dry, and sunny terrain, commonly found on roadsides, slopes, abandoned fields, and poor soils. This adaptation to low humidity and high sunlight makes mullein very hardy and easy to maintain.
Light needs and ideal location
El sinuate mullein It is a plant that develops its maximum potential in direct sun exposureIt tolerates partial shade, but its blooms will be more abundant and showy if the location receives full sunlight. It is commonly seen thriving on slopes, rocky areas, and dry gardens, where sunlight conditions are optimal.
Soil requirements
One of the great advantages of Verbascum sinuatum is its adaptability to poor, sandy or stony soilsIt doesn't tolerate excessively wet or waterlogged soils, so drainage is essential. If the soil is compact, it's a good idea to mix in sand or gravel to improve root aeration.
The pH can range from slightly acidic to alkaline, showing preference for calcareous substrates characteristic of Mediterranean areas.
Irrigation, humidity and drought resistance
Verbascum sinuatum it is extremely drought resistant. Requires widely spaced waterings Once established, only water during periods of extreme heat or prolonged drought. Overwatering can promote fungal growth and root rot, so it's best to let the soil dry completely between waterings.
When growing in planters or pots, it is recommended to water when the substrate is completely dry, always ensuring that the container has good drainage.
Planting and multiplication
La sowing It is sown using seeds, preferably in spring. It is recommended to scatter the seeds superficially without covering them too much, as they require light to germinate. Transplanting or dividing clumps is usually done in winter, although, in most cases, the plant self-reproduces easily, and spontaneous seedlings often sprout around the mother plant.
Seedling care is minimal, just avoid waterlogging and eliminate competing weeds during the early stages.
Pruning and maintenance
Mullein does not require intensive pruning, but it is advisable to remove withered flowers and dry stems at the end of the season to encourage new growth and maintain the shrub's aesthetic appearance.
Diseases and pests
This species shows great resistance to pests and diseases thanks to its natural defensive biochemical compounds. However, it can occasionally be affected by:
- Mushrooms in humid environments or due to overwatering, such as powdery mildew or root rot.
- Parasitic insects (example: Rhinusa acifer, a beetle that produces galls on roots and stems, and in turn, attracts other parasitoids that maintain the ecological balance).
To prevent these problems, it is recommended to keep the substrate aerated, avoid excess moisture, and remove dry plant debris.
Ornamental and gardening uses
El sinuous gorodolobo is highly appreciated in low-maintenance gardensMediterranean-style gardens, rockeries, and ditches. Its hardiness and easy self-seeding make it ideal for naturalizing spaces and providing a deep yellow color in summer. It's often used in marginal areas, accompanying hedges, and as a background for flowerbeds due to its tall, branched shape.
In ecological gardens, it also provides shelter for pollinators and other beneficial species.
Traditional uses and medicinal properties
At traditional medicine, especially in the Mediterranean area, the root, leaves and flowers of the Verbascum sinuatum have been used as:
- Healing for external use for minor wounds and burns.
- Remedy for respiratory ailments (infusions, syrups or poultices to relieve colds, coughs and congestion).
- Natural antibacterial treatment for urinary tract and other infections.
However, it should be noted that the plant contains toxic compounds (rotenone, saponins), and its use should always be under medical supervision or by a qualified phytotherapist. Furthermore, the use of root extracts as insecticides has been documented since ancient times, although their use as a phytosanitary product is currently restricted or prohibited in some countries.
Curiosities, folklore and etymology
Name Verbascum comes from the Latin "barbascum", referring to the hairiness that covers the entire plant. The epithet sinuatum refers to the wavy shape of the leaf edges.
Some of its popular names, such as mullein o tempting yesterdays, have roots in oral tradition and folklore. For example, mullein flowers are said to fall when the stem is struck, "weeping" drops to the ground, hence the nickname "flower of shame" in some local languages.
Historically, extracts from the root were used in artisanal fishing to stun fish, and in agriculture as a natural insecticide. These practices have now fallen into disuse or have been banned for environmental and human safety reasons.
Varieties, synonyms and regional names
Verbascum sinuatum has several recognized botanical varieties and synonyms, and is known by numerous common names such as:
- Acigutre, acigutre, acilutre, alcigutre
- Bitters, herbalist's barbasco, candelera
- Ashtray, broom, flower of shame
- Mullein, sinuated mullein, ashen mullein, guardlobo
- Curse herb, curse bush, pro-brotherhood, romance, son-in-law tempt, tuff, twist, tripe, wavy verbasco
Verbascum sinuatum It's an ideal plant for those looking for a hardy, low-maintenance garden with a natural, wild touch. In addition to its ornamental virtues, its cultural heritage and traditional uses make it a valuable choice for both experienced gardeners and ethnobotanical enthusiasts.
