Common mullein

June 10, 2015

Verbascum thapsus L. Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)

Life cycle

Biennial.

Leaves

Seedling leaves develop from a basal rosette in the first year. Large oblong leaves are densely hairy and whitish green. Leaves are alternate in the second year.

common mullein rosette common mullein leaves
Common mullein rosette (left). Common mullein leaf (right).

Stems

Stems bolt from the rosette in the second year to flower and can be up to 6 feet tall.

Flowers and fruit

Yellow flowers with five fused lobes are found on the upper portion of the terminal spike. The two-celled fruit contain many grooved seeds.

common mullein flowering stalk
Common mullein flowering stalk.

Reproduction

Seeds.

common mullein seedling
Common mullein seedling.

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