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Integrated Crop Management
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Common mullein

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 the second year reaches a height of 6 ft or greater. Yellow flowers are produced on a 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 a 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.

Common mullein forms large basal rosettes of lanceolate leaves
Common mullein forms large basal rosettes of lanceolate leaves.
Dense pubescent results in soft, thick leaves
Dense pubescent results in soft, thick leaves.
During second year of growth a spike up to 6 ft in height formed
During second year of growth a spike up to 6 ft in height is formed.

 

Common mullein was a specimen in the paris botanical garden
Common mullein was a specimen in the Paris Botanical Garden (Jardin des Plantes)
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.
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