Hoary mullein?

[JennyS]

Am I right in thinking this is Hoary Mullein (V.pulverulentum).....not a plant I've come across before but much hairier than the Great Mullein shown below it...confirmation/correction appreciated!

1. Hoary Mullein?





2. Great Mullein (for leaf contrast)

[aeshna5]

I think it is probably a Great Mullein which can be variable in its hairiness; I've certainly seen rosettes like this. I'm not aware of any records of this (unless as an isolated casual) from Ireland (assuming that's where you took photo?)

I usually see Hoary Mulein on roadsides near Norwich when I'm visiting various Broadland reserves- but is more distinctive when seeing flowering spikes. Certainly this area is the main place to see this species.

[JennyS]

Hi aeshna5 - yes, the photo was taken in SW Ireland, about a mile from where I photographed the Furrowed Melilot, Melilotus sulcatus (not recorded for Eire) and the Welted Thistle, Carduus crispus (not recorded in SW).

Unfortunately there was just this one rosette, and I don't know if it will survive forestry-truck movement to flower next year!

I know Hoary Mullein isn't recorded for Ireland, but neither is Moth Mullein (illustrated and id confirmed in a previous thread) and I found that flowering on soil that I had bought in for my garden, never having planted seeds of it.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...-mulleins.html
(Would you mind having a quick look-over Mulleins 2 and 3 in that thread as I'm wondering if they might be Twiggy Mullein, V.virgatum.?)

I'm coming to think that there are probably quite a lot of aliens and casuals found in Ireland that go un-noticed and un-recorded, partly due to less plant awareness here, and to lack of recording when they are seen.

The help with identification is very appreciated as I am finding it desperately frustrating and slower-learning when it comes to plant ids not having anyone to take a look at the plants in question and give me much-needed feedback in the plants' presence!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by JennyS

Hi aeshna5 - yes, the photo was taken in SW Ireland, about a mile from where I photographed the Furrowed Melilot, Melilotus sulcatus (not recorded for Eire) and the Welted Thistle, Carduus crispus (not recorded in SW).

Unfortunately there was just this one rosette, and I don't know if it will survive forestry-truck movement to flower next year!

I know Hoary Mullein isn't recorded for Ireland, but neither is Moth Mullein (illustrated and id confirmed in a previous thread) and I found that flowering on soil that I had bought in for my garden, never having planted seeds of it.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...-mulleins.html
(Would you mind having a quick look-over Mulleins 2 and 3 in that thread as I'm wondering if they might be Twiggy Mullein, V.virgatum.?)

I
I'm coming to think that there are probably quite a lot of aliens and casuals found in Ireland that go un-noticed and un-recorded, partly due to less plant awareness here, and to lack of recording when they are seen.

The help with identification is very appreciated as I am finding it desperately frustrating and slower-learning when it comes to plant ids not having anyone to take a look at the plants in question and give me much-needed feedback in the plants' presence!

I've little experience of Twiggy Mullein, but I agree it does seem to match well.

It must be very exciting so many "firsts" for Ireland or your part of it, yet I can also understand the frustrations of being almost on your own working out your plants. I think you're doing a grand job there!

Tomorrow I'll be botanising with a group in central London near Lambeth, mainly looking for aliens. We did a similar walk last year + it was totally fascinating for flowers as well as a couple of species of exotic ferns on walls.

[JennyS]

Wish I was in London and could join the walk!

[IanS]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I usually see Hoary Mulein on roadsides near Norwich when I'm visiting various Broadland reserves- but is more distinctive when seeing flowering spikes. Certainly this area is the main place to see this species.

Oh Interesting! I didnt know we were a hot spot for this species. We certainly get a good mixture of mulleins around here, usually seen on the verges near busy roads which makes it rather difficult to stop and take a good look at them!

Ian