Common Mullein, also known as Great Mullein, Velvet Dock, and Aaron's Rod
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Lamiales, Family: Scrophulariaceae, Genus: Verbascum, Species: Verbascum thapsus · Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family) · Simple, deciduous (biennial lifecycle)
Species
Verbascum thapsus
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous (biennial lifecycle)
Family
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
Shape
Oblanceolate to elliptical with an acute apex and tapering base
Size
Large basal leaves approximately 8-16 inches long, decreasing in size up the flowering stalk
Margin
Entire or obscurely crenate with a slightly wavy edge
Arrangement
Alternate, forming a dense basal rosette in the first year and spiraling up the stem in the second year
Rarity
Very Common, often considered an invasive or aggressive weed in disturbed habitats
Color & Pattern
Pale to medium green with a distinct grayish or whitish hue due to dense, felt-like pubescence (hairiness) across the surface
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent, thick whitish midrib and branching lateral veins that are slightly sunken
Texture & Surface
Soft, thick, and flannel-like or felted texture due to branching non-glandular trichomes on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces
Description
Verbascum thapsus is a robust biennial herb that forms a large, low-lying rosette of thick, woolly leaves in its first year. In the second year, it shoots up a single, erect, unbranched flowering stem that can reach heights of up to 6-8 feet, topped with a dense spike of bright yellow flowers.
Key Features
Extremely woolly, gray-green basal leaves arranged in a rosette; thick flannel-like texture; tall, erect second-year flowering stalk with yellow flowers
Habitat
Disturbed soils, waste areas, roadsides, dry fields, open pastures, and rocky slopes with full sun and well-drained conditions
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia; introduced and widely naturalized throughout North America, Australia, and New Zealand
Condition Notes
The specimen appears healthy, vibrant green with characteristic dense pubescence and no major signs of disease, necrosis, or severe insect damage, earning a health grade of Excellent
Interesting Facts
Historically, the dried flower stalks dipped in tallow were used as torches, earning the plant names like 'candlewick plant' and 'hag's taper'. The soft leaves were also historically used as natural insoles in shoes to keep feet warm
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally in herbal medicine as an infusion or tea made from the leaves and flowers to soothe respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis. The tiny hairs on the leaves can irritate the throat if not strained carefully through a fine cloth
Ecological Role
Provides nectar and pollen for various native bees and beneficial insects. Serves as a host plant for certain moth larvae and provides seed food for small birds during winter
Similar Species
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) has similarly large basal leaves, but they lack the dense, felted white hairs of mullein and are more regularly toothed and toxic
Foraging Tips
Easily spotted along sunny roadsides and gravel pits, especially during its second-year flowering phase or as prominent rosettes in early spring. Harvest leaves during the first year or early in the second year before flowering
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic, though the fine hairs on the leaves can cause mechanical irritation to the mouth and throat if consumed without proper straining