Verbascum thapsus - Mullein
 If
you enjoy intimate contact with nature, I recommend getting to know this
plant. Its leaves are thick and covered with soft fur, making it the closest
thing plantdom has to a teddy bear. Because of this, American Colonists
(and Native Americans after this plant was introduced) lined their footwear
with their leaves for warmth. A tea can be made from the dried leaves and
the flowers and roots have been used as a medicinal. Eating the leaves
unprepared is not wise, as the many hairs would cause severe gastrointestinal
discomfort.
I often see these growing in expressway medians, though they can be found in many open, sunny areas and fields. Though some specimens are only a couple feet high, other stalks can become quite tall. In the below photo the flowers were at about head level. |
| Family: Snapdragon (Scrophulariaceae)
Blooms: June-September Native to: Eurasia Photo Location: Mayberry State Park, Northville, MI
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