Clasping-leaved Mullein

(Verbascum phlomoides)

Clasping-leaved Mullein (Verbascum phlomoides L.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers yellow, large, with 5 free petal lobes. Petals lobes of variable size, lower 3 larger than upper 2. Center of flower spotted with reddish. Flowers arranged in a loose, apical spike or series of spikes.Stem and leaves hairy, but not velvety. Leaf elliptical with a sharp apex and a broad base sessile to, and slightly clasping, the stem. Plant 1 to 4 feet in height.

Distribution: Minnesota in the west to New England in the east, southward to Kentucky and South Carolina

Habitat: Clasping-leaved Mullein is a species of disturbed habitats such as empty lots, fields, and roadsides.

Flowering period: July to August.

Similar Species: Clasping-leaved Mullein is most similar to the yellow flowered forms of Moth Mullein. However, the leaves of Moth Mullein are short and stuby with sharply toothed outer margins.