Family: Scrophulariaceae
common mullein, flannel plant, giant mullein
Paul Drobot
Robert R. Kowal
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
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
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
Roadsides, railroads, fields, pastures, and meadows, clear-cuts, riverbanks, lakeshores, dry prairies, waste areas, along logging roads and trails, bracken grasslands, sand dunes, cobble beaches, bluffs, cliffs, rock outcrops, pine plantations, pine barrens, gravel pits, old quarries, gardens, farmyards, roadcuts, thickets and clearings in woods.
This is our most common species, being found across the entire state in disturbed, open areas. It readily invades natural habitats where disturbance has occurred and can be aggressive. First collected in 1848.
This is our most common species, being found across the entire state in disturbed, open areas. It readily invades natural habitats where disturbance has occurred and can be aggressive. First collected in 1848.
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"
Robert R. Kowal
Christopher Noll
John M. Schoeneker
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
Robert W. Freckmann
Robert R. Kowal
Paul Drobot
