moth mullein
ExplorePlants
moth mullein
Verbascum blattaria
Moth mullein is a tall plant with fuzzy leaves and bright yellow flowers. It loves to grow in sunny places and can be found in gardens and along roadsides.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The moth mullein is a tall, slender plant featuring a single, upright stem. It has bright yellow or sometimes white flowers, each with a distinctive purple-orange center of fuzzy stamens. Its leaves are typically flat at the base and sparse along the stem.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyScrophulariaceaeGenusVerbascum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Romans sometimes used fuzzy mullein leaves as makeshift wicks for oil lamps!
Each moth mullein plant can produce thousands of tiny, dust-like seeds, spreading far and wide!
Its scientific name, *Verbascum blattaria*, strangely means 'moth-like cockroach plant'!
While often yellow, some varieties of moth mullein surprise us with pure white blossoms!
Special abilities
Ability
Pollinator Magnet
Moth mullein has bright, open flowers with contrasting colors that act like a beacon, attracting busy bees and other helpful insects.
Ability
Toxicity Touch
This plant produces natural compounds like saponins that can make it unappealing or mildly irritating to hungry herbivores, protecting its leaves.
Ability
Survivor Sprout
Moth mullein is biennial, spending its first year building strong roots, then bursting with a tall, flower-covered stalk in its second year to reproduce.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 20-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits the vibrant flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
Helps transfer pollen between the plant's blossoms.
eaten by
Mullein Moth
Cucullia verbasci
Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of mullein plants.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Night Blooming
Night blooming plants open their flowers after sunset, often to attract nocturnal pollinators with their scent and appearance.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is moth mullein?
30-150 cm
How wide does moth mullein spread?
20-40 cm
How big are the flowers on moth mullein?
2-3 cm
When does moth mullein bloom?
Summer
Is moth mullein edible?
No
Is moth mullein toxic?
Mild
What is moth mullein's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is moth mullein pollinated?
Insect
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