Identifying Verbascum (Mullein): Lamb's Ear Lookalike with Yellow Spikes

It's Almost Certainly Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein)

Basal rosette of large, fuzzy, lamb's ear-like leaves + 2-ft yellow flower spike = verbascum. Wild types are biennial weeds; garden cultivars (V. 'Southern Charm', V. 'Jackie') are perennial and less aggressive.

Control If Unwanted

• Any broadleaf herbicide (2,4-D, glyphosate spot treatment).
• Pull before seed set (each plant = 100,000+ seeds).
• Mulch heavily to suppress germination.

If You Like It

Garden verbascums are stunning vertical accents. Deadhead to limit spread. Google Images: verbascum for ID confirmation.