Common mullein Verbascum thapsus L.
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
Life cycle: Biennial
Native status: Introduced from Europe
Habitat: Roadsides, waste areas, pastures
General description: Large basal rosette up to 2 ft in diameter. Leaves are thick, densely hairy, oblong or lanceolate up to 1 ft in length. Erect, unbranched stem produced in second year reaches height of 6 ft or greater. Yellow flowers produced on terminal spike up to 3 ft in length.
Key ID traits: Thick, densely hairy, grey-green leaves.
Miscellaneous: Native to Europe. Has been used as remedy for skin, throat and breathing ailments. Also known as flannel leaf and bunny ears due to the pubescent leaves. The leaves have been used for a variety of purposes, including lamp wicks, shoe inserts, and of course, toilet paper.
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in...