ExplorePlants

Dark Mullein

Verbascum nigrum

Dark Mullein is a tall, leafy plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. It grows in sunny places and can be found in fields and along roadsides.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Dark Mullein has tall, slender stems that often appear dark or purplish. It features bright yellow flowers, each with a distinctive purple or reddish-purple hairy stamen that makes it stand out. Its basal leaves are wavy and dark green.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyScrophulariaceaeGenusVerbascum
Dark Mullein
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Dark Mullein

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Bees and hoverflies love its bright yellow flowers, buzzing for nectar all summer long!

Each plant can produce thousands of tiny, long-lasting seeds that wait for the perfect moment to sprout!

Its scientific name, 'nigrum', means 'black,' pointing to its dark stems or flower parts!

Its wavy, dark green leaves often stay flat against the ground in winter, ready for spring!

Special abilities

Ability

Colorful Stamens

Dark Mullein has striking purple-hairy stamens that contrast with its yellow petals, making it irresistible to buzzing insect pollinators.

Ability

Drought Buster

Dark Mullein can survive dry spells by growing deep taproots, helping it find water others can't easily reach.

Ability

Seed Spreader

Dark Mullein produces many tiny seeds, which are easily dispersed by wind to grow new plants far and wide.

Measurements & details

Height
60-150 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Biennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

A frequent visitor to its bright yellow blooms.

eaten by

Mullein moth

Shargacucullia verbasci

Its caterpillars munch on mullein leaves.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat any plants without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Dark Mullein?

60-150 cm

How wide does Dark Mullein spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Dark Mullein?

2-3 cm

When does Dark Mullein bloom?

Summer

Is Dark Mullein edible?

No

Is Dark Mullein toxic?

None

What is Dark Mullein's lifecycle?

Biennial

How is Dark Mullein pollinated?

Insect

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