Mullein Indentification, please.

Jim Ford · #1 (**permalink**) 26-08-2008, 11:03 PM

This mullein is growing on a bank near where I work. I've put a meter rule alongside it to show the height - it's about 2.5 meters tall (pity I didn't show the bottom of the rule, though). The overwintering leaf rosette was almost a meter across and the flower spike almost a meter tall.

I'll gather seeds when they ripen.

Jim

the young hunter · #2 (**permalink**) 26-08-2008, 11:09 PM

Hi Jim,

Hoary Mullein (an east anglian speciality)

mike

Hedge Witch · #3 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 06:53 AM

That's one impressive Mullein! Good find.

leifus · #4 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 08:26 AM

Hoary mullein

Jim Ford · #5 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the young hunter

Hoary Mullein (an east anglian speciality)

Thanks for the ident..

So, what's it doing in darkest Hertfordshire, and is it worth informing the county recorder?

Jim

ceterach · #6 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 11:42 AM

That doesn't look like Hoary Mullein to me. Although it is difficult to tell from the picture the leaves look distinctly non-hoary. I am not sure I can come up with an alternative but with that showy spike it could be a garden escape.

It would be interesting to try and key it out before you report it to anyone.

All the best

Jim Ford · #7 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 04:21 PM

Here's a 100% pixel crop of the leaves.

I wouldn't describe the appearance of the plant as 'hoary'. The texture of the leaves are similar to that of foxglove.

You can get an idea of the size of the brute from the 100cm marks on the rule!

Jim

ceterach · #8 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 07:14 PM

Hi Jim

Definitely not hoary. The wavy leaves might give it away however. Try Verbascum sinuatum. I don't know it but it is a frequent casual!

All the best

John

Jim Ford · #9 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 07:48 PM

I've had a trawl for Verbascum sinuatum and don't think that's it.

The flower spike on 'mine' is much denser and the leaves aren't shaped like this:

Google Image Result for http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/959/80009061.JPG

Mine don't have ragged edges - just smooth wavy ones.

Jim

ceterach · #10 (**permalink**) 27-08-2008, 07:53 PM

Hi Jim

Yes I must admit had done the same thing and come to much the same sort of conclusion. In my flora at least there is no other Verbascum with sinuate leaves and the shape and "texture" of those leaves don't fit any other species as far as I can see.

You can start the long path to identifying it by checking the colour of the hairs on the filaments!!

Anyone else any ideas?

All the best