Species PlantsCommon Mullein

Common Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

CommonPlant
Illustration of Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Common Mullein is a European biennial with large, soft, woolly leaves and a tall spike of yellow flowers. It is now one of the most widespread plants in North America, colonizing roadsides, disturbed areas, and open hillsides. Goldfinches and many other songbirds eat its tiny seeds. The leaf wool was used as fire-starting material and lamp wicks.

Habitat
Roadsides, disturbed areas, and open hillsides across North America
Diet
Seeds eaten by goldfinches, pine siskins, and sparrows
How common
Common

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