Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus, Scrophulariaceae), photographed 08/03/2009 at a field/forest margin near Blissfield, Michigan.
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus, Scrophulariaceae) occurs throughout North America as a biennial invasive weed. Up to one-third of the approximately 2-meter (about 6 feet) mature height is comprised of a cluster of flowers known as an inflorescence. In late summer the spikes of second-year plants erupt in bright yellow flowers.
This large, easily-recognizable plant starts out life humbly enough, however. The first-year plants are small and inconspicuous, resembling fuzzy cabbage:
Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus, Scrophulariaceae), photographed 04/27/2009 at a field/forest margin near Blissfield, Michigan.
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