Common mullein
June 10, 2015
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EmailVerbascum 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.
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