Non-wood sample (Common Mullein / Verbascum thapsus)
Verbascum thapsus (Plant species depicted) · Herbaceous Plant (Not true timber/lumber)
- Type
- Herbaceous Plant (Not true timber/lumber)
- Origin
- Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia; widely naturalized across North America
- Hardness
- Not applicable (Soft herbaceous plant stalk, Janka rating <100 lbf)
- Durability
- Non-durable; rapid biological decay after annual flowering cycle
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Grain Pattern
Not applicable; fibrous plant stem structure, no commercial timber grain pattern
Color & Appearance
Foliage is silvery sage-green; flower stalk is brownish-grey with small yellow blooms
Hardness (Janka)
Not applicable (Soft herbaceous plant stalk, Janka rating <100 lbf)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; rapid biological decay after annual flowering cycle
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- No commercial lumber value ($0 per board foot)
- Wood Age Estimate
- 2-year biennial plant in its second-year flowering stage
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern / Weedy invasive species in many regions; abundant availability
Common Uses
Herbal medicine, traditional torch/tinder material, decorative dried botanical arrangements
Geographic Origin
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia; widely naturalized across North America
Workability
Pithy, lightweight dried stalk can be easily cut or broken by hand when dry; unsuited for wood tools
Finish Recommendations
Not applicable; clear lacquer or dried floral preservative spray if kept as a dried floral display
Notable Features
Densely woolly/hairy leaves (pubescent), tall flowering spike, high fuzz/tinder content
