Common mullein
June 10, 2015
Verbascum thapsus L. Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
Life cycle
Biennial.
Leaves
Seedling leaves develop from a basal rosette in the first year. Large oblong leaves are densely hairy and whitish green. Leaves are alternate in the second year.
Common mullein rosette (left). Common mullein leaf (right).
Stems
Stems bolt from the rosette in the second year to flower and can be up to 6 feet tall.
Flowers and fruit
Yellow flowers with five fused lobes are found on the upper portion of the terminal spike. The two-celled fruit contain many grooved seeds.
Common mullein flowering stalk.
Reproduction
Seeds.
Common mullein seedling.
Print a PDF of this page: Common mullein
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
MSU named Top 10 agriculture and forestry college in new report
Published on March 23, 2021
-
CANR meets academic needs to prepare students for their futures
Published on February 1, 2020
-
MSU, GVSU join forces to address water challenges
Published on January 29, 2019
-
Agriculture and Natural Resources Week begins March 1
Published on February 21, 2019
-
CANR names new leader of international programs
Published on May 20, 2019
-
Hendrick recommended as Dean of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU
Published on January 25, 2016
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.