Today, we're taking a deep dive into the world of Verbascum thapsus, a magnificent plant with a royal Scandinavian moniker: 'King's Light.' Its regal name might have been inspired by the usefulness of its dried stalk, which when wrapped in fat, becomes an ideal torch for winter processions.

The seeds of this plant came to us through our grandpa, and they were ancient even when he received them. Verbascum thapsus seeds are storied for their exceptional longevity; they often germinate at archaeological sites when centuries-old graves are disturbed. Indeed, our own seeds sprouted a few of these grand plants, and we hope to see more in the future, provided they produce their own seeds.

Standing tall with lush leaves and bright yellow flowers, the 'King's Light' is a majestic sight. Historically, it has been intertwined with tales of witches and witchcraft, likely due to its prevalent use in herbal medicine.

Yet, our Grandpa shared a more humorous and practical story about the plant. Apparently, it served as a precursor to modern toilet paper. Its incredibly soft leaves and woolly hair were said to be suitable for personal hygiene. Grandpa always used to say, "You can use the King's Light to wipe your arse with." - Not a big fan of the monarchy!
That said, we advise against this practice, as the plant's numerous tiny hairs could potentially cause discomfort in, let's say, sensitive areas.

Check out a few of our foraging posts: