Identifying a Tall Plant with Yellow Flowers in Idaho

A hiker near Mountain Home, Idaho (about 30 miles south of Boise) encountered a plant with large leaves along the stalk and small yellow flowers just beginning to bloom at the top. The photos were sent for identification.

Expert Suggestion: The description matches Flannel Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), also known as "Boy Scout Torch" or "Toilet Paper Plant." This biennial weed forms a basal rosette of fuzzy leaves in its first year, then sends up a tall flowering spike in the second year. Compare your photos to images of Flannel Mullein online. For definitive confirmation, take a sample to a local garden center or extension office in Idaho, as plant distributions vary by region.