Common Mullein
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Mulleins (genus Verbascum), large flowering plants in the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) are native to Europe and Asia.
Many mullein species receive credit for having medicinal value. Other species are prized for their ornamental value.
Two common mullein species described below get classified as weeds.
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), picture above, grows up to ten feet in height, the thin, woolly looking stem blossoms with yellow flowers.
Its size and aggressive manner means it edge out native plants wherever it is found, which is basically throughout the United States that receive at least medium amounts of rainfall.
Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria), also a weed, produces exceptionally nice looking flowers, with petals ranging from white to yellow, contrasted by purple filaments.
In instances of low density growth for either species, pulling is a recommended organic remedy. Beware of the deep taproot for the Moth Mullein.
In instances of high density growth for both plants, the U.S. Forest Service notes, "Two insects that have possible biological control implications for common mullein are European curculionid weevil (Gymnaetron tetrum) and mullein moth (Cucullia verbasci)."
© 2009-2011 Patricia A. Michaels