A simple stalk of mullein — a tall, wild plant with fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers — used to be considered much more valuable.
The Wild Carrot Farmstead (@thewildcarrotfarmstead) in Missouri showed why the plant had a surprisingly bright past before batteries and lightbulbs.
What's happening?
Tonya Snyder, who co-runs the Wild Carrot Farmstead, shared a video in which she tried to replicate a mullein torch.
A dried mullein stalk coated in tallow, oil, or beeswax can slowly and brightly burn for around 10 minutes per inch, according to Marina from Elderberry Sprout. It burns like a standard candle.
In ancient Rome, ancient Greece, and in Ozark and Appalachian communities, these mullein stalks were the easiest way to carry light and illuminate pathways. Some communities even believed that the stalks protected against evil spirits and negative energy.
"Just harvested some stalks specifically for this reason!" one commenter wrote.
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"I want to do this so bad!" another added.
Why does it matter?
People interested in gardening, foraging, or low-cost hobby skills may find that this kind of knowledge can keep traditions alive and provide a quirky use of materials that might be close at hand.
Learning a plant's history, identifying common species, or trying simple heritage crafts can be inexpensive ways to connect with nature and reduce some dependence on store-bought decor or novelty goods.
What can I do?
If you do experiment with any fire-based project, use extreme caution, follow local fire rules, and avoid dry or windy conditions.
It can also help to check whether mullein is native, naturalized, or invasive where you live before planting or spreading it. According to Santa Fe Botanical Garden, it's naturalized across the U.S. and Canada after being introduced, and is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia.
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