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Virtual Exhibit - Heritage Project
Object ID: 2013.090.021
Title: Turkey Mullein
Habitat: North America
Description: Turkey Mullein is a common weed from the Euphorbiaceae (Spurge) family. It is a California native plant and is a summer annual broadleaf plant. It is a faded green color and is grown in open, dry areas. It looks like long furry leaves that are arrowhead shaped. It is rooted in the ground. The scientific name of this plant is Croton setigerus. Turkey Mullein grows best in dry areas and grows very poorly in wet areas. Its fruits are 1/6th of an inch long, hairy, and have one chamber. Flowers of the plant bloom from May through October and are very small. The seeds are a source of food for birds and small animals. Turkey Mullein (crushed and thrown in water) was used by Native Americans to stupify fish so they were easier to catch. Native people also would smoke the plant to cure sore throats and coughs. No notes were found on the original card from Elizabeth Windsong.
Dimensions: H—12.7 W—20.32 cm
Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
Phylum: Anthophyta (Flowering Plants)
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Croton
Species: setigerus
Collector: Windsong, Elizabeth
Identified by: Windsong, Elizabeth
Preparator: Gallegos, Miles
