Mystery Plant Solved: Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Identification

Your 3–4 ft tall plant with elongated fuzzy leaves, a cone-shaped spike of small yellow flowers blooming sequentially is common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), also called Aaron's rod, flannel plant, or torch weed.

Characteristics

• Biennial: rosette first year, tall spike second year.
• Flowers open a few at a time from bottom to top.
• Prolific self-seeder; considered a weed in many areas, a wildflower in others.
• Historically used for medicinal teas (with caution).

Management

• Remove before seed set if unwanted.
• Taproot makes pulling difficult; dig or cut below crown.
• Leave a few for pollinators and vertical interest.

Not an alien—just a very successful Earthling!