Common Mullein

Pick an image for a larger view. Most image enlargements are 50-100KB, though some may be larger. See the glossary for icon descriptions.

Detailed Information

Flower:

A club-shaped spike up to 2 feet long densely packed with ¾ inch yellow flowers. Individual flowers have 5 petals and 5 orange-tipped stamen; only a few flowers are open at a time. Smaller spikes may develop near the base of the main spike, but a single spike is common.

Leaves:

Leaves are large, up to 15 inches long and 5 inches across, becoming progressively smaller as they ascend the main stem. They are thick and soft like felt or flannel, densely covered in short hairs. The shape is generally oval, with a pointed tip. The leaf base tapers to a “winged” leaf stem that extends down the main stem. The leaf edges may have small rounded teeth and may be a little wavy. Attachment is alternate.

Notes:

The first year, Common Mullein is just a rosette of basal leaves, 1 to 2 feet across. The main stem and flowers sprout up the second year. Common Mullein has gone by about 50 different common names, including Velvet Plant, Flannel Plant, Hare's Beard, and others that refer to the leaves.

More photos

• a small group of Common Mullein, the tallest about 5 feet

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2006 and July 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?