Home Weed ID Publications Dictionary Links FAQs Login About us		Plant Description: Name: common mullein Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus Family: Scrophulariaceae Type: Broadleaf Lifecycle: Summer Annual Habit: This erect biennial, flowers from June through September with fruit present from October through March. Leaves: At the base of the plant, the wooly leaves form a basal rosette. As the plant grows taller during the second year, the leaves grow alternately. The elliptic leaves have no petioles, and grow directly from the base of the stem. The leaves are largest at the base, and get smaller as you move up the stem. The densely hairy stems can reach 6 feet in height. Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Characteristics: This plant can be identified by its hairy leaves with straight margins. Flower Seed Head: The yellow flowers are densely clustered on a 20-inch long, cylindrical spike. Each 1-inch flower has 5 petals, hairy sepals with 5 lobes. Seed Fruit: The seeds develop in an ovoid capsule that is divided into 2 cells. The capsules turn brown, splitting to release seeds, and remain on the stalk through winter. Where Found: This plant can be found growing in forests, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Control Options Related Plants Terms and Definitions Additional Images:
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