Identifying Mullen

• 

• 

• 

Three photo examples of Mullein at different stages

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a common wild plant found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Here are some tips on how to identify wild mullein:

1. Look for a tall plant with a single unbranched stem that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. The stem is usually covered in soft, felt-like hairs.

2. The leaves of mullein are large and can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) long. They are fuzzy, oval-shaped, and arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant.

3. Mullein produces a tall spike of yellow flowers, which can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long. The flowers have five petals and bloom from June to September.

4. The plant has a biennial life cycle, meaning it completes its life cycle over two growing seasons. In the first year, it produces a rosette of leaves close to the ground, and in the second year, it produces the tall stem and flowers.

5. Mullein prefers dry, sunny locations, and can often be found growing in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and meadows.

6. Be sure to positively identify the plant before consuming any part of it, as there are poisonous look-alikes.

If you are unsure about the identification of a plant, it is always best to consult a field guide or a knowledgeable expert before consuming it.