Great mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as common mullein or great mullein, is a biennial plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it has been introduced and naturalized in various regions around the world. Here's an overview:

Botanical Description:

  1. Growth Form:

    • Common mullein is a biennial herb that forms a rosette of basal leaves in its first year and produces a tall flowering stem in its second year.

  2. Leaves:

    • The basal leaves are large, fuzzy, and can be up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) long. They are grayish-green and covered with soft hairs, giving them a woolly texture.

  3. Stems:

    • In the second year, a single, erect stem emerges, which can reach heights of 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet).

  4. Flowers:

    • The flowering stem bears a terminal spike of yellow, densely packed flowers. The individual flowers are about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) wide.

  5. Fruit:

    • The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Identification Tips:

  • Woolly Leaves:

    • The large basal leaves are densely covered with soft, woolly hairs.

  • Tall Flowering Stem:

    • In the second year, the plant produces a tall, erect stem with a distinctive spike of yellow flowers.

Habitat:

  • Distribution:

    • Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Naturalized in various regions.

  • Habitat:

    • Common mullein often thrives in disturbed areas, including roadsides, fields, and open spaces.

Ecological Role:

  • Pioneer Plant:
    • Common mullein is a pioneer species, often colonizing disturbed or barren areas.

Uses:

  • Traditional Medicine:

    • Various parts of the plant have been used in traditional herbal medicine for respiratory conditions.

  • Floral Arrangements:

    • The tall flowering spike is sometimes used in floral arrangements.

Note:

  • Biennial Life Cycle:
    • Common mullein follows a biennial life cycle, with the basal rosette in the first year and the flowering stem in the second year.

Caution:

  • Invasiveness:
    • While it is not considered highly invasive, common mullein can spread readily in disturbed habitats.