Etymology: Verbascum: corrupted form of Barbascum, the ancient Latin name for this plant
Plants: erect, biennial, 1'-6' tall forb with gray, branching hairs and no glands
Leaves: first year a basal rosette then becoming alternate, mostly entire, softly hairy, lower stalked, upper stalkless and extending down the stem as a narrow wing
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1/3"-1" wide, nearly regular in shape, 3 lower lobes slightly longer than the upper 2, 5 stamens; inflorescence a 20" dense, spike-like cluster becoming more open in time; blooms June-Sept.
Habitat: disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive

Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas: Descriptions, photos, management help, etc. Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"