Common Mullein

Verbascum thapsus L.

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

▲ first year rosette

▲ leaf bases extend down stem to give slightly winged stem effect

▲▼second year stem elongation and flowering

▲▼ flowers

Common Mullein:  (pp. 520-521 in Weeds of the Great Plains, pp. 306-307 in Weeds of the Northeast)

·         biennial weed with large, very fuzzy, gray-green rosette of leaves during first year

·         second year produces tall spike (2-8') with smaller, fuzzy leaves and many small yellow flowers opening sporadically over summer

·         produces abundant seed

·         found on roadsides, pastures, railroad right-of-ways, non-crop areas with rocky soils

·         somewhat difficult to control with herbicides due to hairy leaves