Seasonal Wild Flowers

Great Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Scrophulariaceae

Aaron's Rod

June to August

It is found throughout the country

See the BSBI distribution map for Great Mullein

It is found in scrubland, hedgebanks, grassy areas and on

waste ground.

Great Mullein is a native, rather handsome, biennial herb,

growing up to 2m.

The yellow flowers are up to 3cm across with slightly

unequal petals.

There are 5 stamens, the upper 3 are shorter and very

hairy, and the lower 2 are longer and not hairy.

The anthers are large and orange.

The style is long and green.

The leaves are covered with soft white hairs, giving

the plant a greyish-white appearance.

Leaves are up to 45 cm.

Basal leaves form a rosette and stem leaves are alternate.

Great Mullein, Lune estuary, Lancaster

Flower spikes, Ham Hill, Somerset

Flower - stamens and style

Flower - stamen hairs

Upper leaves - alternate

Rosette of basal leaves