Common Mullein
Common Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Identification
· Roots: Deep taproot with branched secondary fibrous roots
· Leaves: Thick densely furry grey-green leaves, produces a basal rosette and a substantial crown in the first year. In the second year, leaves are elongated and wooly, alternate along the stem.
· Stems: Plants produce a single, thick stem.
· Flowers: Flowering stem is typically several feet tall with yellow, 5-petalted floweres in a terminal spike.
· Seeds/Fruits: two celled, ovular fruit contains many seeds, a single plant can produce between 136,000 to 175,000 seeds.
Life Cycle
Biennial
Chemical Control
Several herbicides are listed as providing control throughout the plant's growth stage including Glyphosate, 2,4-D, triclopyr, sulfometuron-methyl, and tebuthiuron. The wooly foliage of Common Mullein impedes herbicide absorption, use a surfactant to increase the success of herbicide applications.
