How to Grow Verbascum Possibly from the Latin barba, a beard, many species having a hairy or downy look (Scrophulariaceae). Mullein. A genus of 300 species of hardy herbaceous plants, mostly biennials or short-lived perennials, from temperate parts of Europe and Asia. Species cultivated V. blattaria, moth mullein, to 4 feet, flowers yellow or cream, Europe. (including Britain). V. bombyciferum […]