Common Mullein – 6/13/20

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/13/20

Observation Time: 5:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Common Mullein

Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus

Comments: Verbascum thapsus has a wide native range including Europe, northern Africa and Asia, from the Azores and Canary Islands east to western China, north to the British Isles, Scandinavia and Siberia, and south to the Himalayas. In the United States it was imported very early in the 18th century and cultivated for its medicinal and piscicide (fish poisoning) properties. By 1818, it had begun spreading so much that Amos Eaton thought it was a native plant. In 1839 it was already reported in Michigan and in 1876, in California. It is now found commonly in all the states.

The leaves are kind of fuzzy. A tall stalk of yellow flowers will shoot up soon from the main plant.

More Information: Wikipedia