Eastern Forest Threat Center - Common Mullein

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Common mullein plant

Common mullein plant

Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org

Common Mullein
Verbascum thapsus

Common mullein, native to Europe and Asia, was introduced into the U.S. in the mid-1700s.

Keywords: Scrophulariaceae, biannual, herb; Common names: big taper, flannel mullein, flannel plant, great mullein, velvet dock, velvet plant, woolly mullein

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Common mullein is an erect biannual herb growing 5-10 ft. in height. In the first year it produces a low vegetative rosette up to 24 in. in diameter, remains thought the winter, then produces a stout flowering stem in the succeeding growing season. The stem is densely woolly with branched hairs. Leaves are alternate, oblong-obovate to obovate-lanceolate, blue-grey green, woolly, and 4-16 in. long including the petiole, becoming progressively smaller up the flowering stem. Flowers are sessile, borne in long terminal spikes, bright yellow, and 1 in. in diameter with 5 fused petals. Fruits are woolly oval capsules that split open when mature releasing 100,000-180,000 wind- and animal-dispersed seeds from the parent plant that may remain viable in the soil for over 100 years. Common mullein prefers dry sandy soils, but can grow in chalk and limestone. It can be found in neglected meadows, forest openings, pastures, fence rows, roadsides, and industrial areas. Once established it grows quickly to form a dense ground cover, overtaking and displacing native species. At high densities, it appears to prevent establishment of native herbs and grasses following fires or other disturbances.