Verbascum thapsus
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Tracheophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Order: Lamiales |
| Family: Schrophulariaceae |
| Genus: Verbascum |
| Species: Verbascum thapsus |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
The common mullein is a big plant that can grow to 4 feet in height. It has large, rounded leaves covered in downy soft, but very dense hair. Small, bright yellow flowers grow clustered at the top of the club-like stem.
Habitat & Range
The common mullein can be found along trail-sides and open areas, typically growing best in dry or sandy soil. Though native in Eurasia, it has been introduced in North America and can be found scattered around parts of Canada and in all the states of the US.
Behavior
The flowers on the common mullein only open a single day, opening right before dawn and closing near the afternoon.
Life Cycle
The common mullein reproduces through seeds. During early spring, the seeds germinate and forms a rosette. In the months of June-September, the plant blooms to form flowers and begins seed production.
Featured image by James Dake.