Common Mullein Verbascum thapsus

Common mullein is a fuzzy biennial herbacous plant in the Scrophulariaceae (snapdragon) family native to Europe and Asia.  Its distinct flower stalk can grow quickly to a height of 6 to 10 feet tall and is found growing in fields, roadsides, pastures, and waste places and has naturalized across the United States and Canada. The name Verbascum is derived from Latin word barbascum or "bearded", which describes the hairy stamens in species of this genus. The species name thapsus is in honor of an ancient village of  modern day Tunisia called Thapsus.  The common name mullein is Latin for mollis or soft in likely reference to the hairy velvety leaves.

Rosettes of large silverly green pubescent leaves form at the ground in the first year and look similar to lambs ear. These low to the ground leaves remain evergreen even under cold conditions and can provide some winter interest to the landscape.  Because this plant is a biennial, in the second year a tall flower spike of fragrant yellow flowers will appear, sometimes singular sometimes branching. The plant dies back completely after flowering but self-seeding occurs, though it is not considered especially aggressive. 

This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH well-drained soil and full sun., though it tolerates some shade  While it can be found growing in a variety of soils it prefers dry sandy or rocky soil being quite drought tolerant with its fibrous root and large tap root.  It does not tolerate wet soils, but it does well in poor soil conditions, tolerates deer and rabbit browsing and thrives in urban conditions.  

Use it in cottage gardens or as a vertical element of a borer.  Because it grows so well in poor soils it does well on dry rocky slopes.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Spider mites are a problem in hot weather.  Slugs and snails are occasional problems.  Rich soils will result in needing to stake the flower stalk to prevent it from falling over. It can grow quickly and densely cover the ground out-competing native species.  This weedy plant is listed as noxious in CO and HI.