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plant ID - a fuzzy cabbage plant?

15 years ago

have had this pop up in my garden several years in a row now, I just let it grow as it's kind of cool looking, but have no clue what it is or if I should get rid of it. Looks like a really thick fuzzy cabbage that never makes a head. I don't know how to post a photo here, but I can email a photo if you want to take a shot at identification, much appreciated.

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Comments (3)

lycopus
15 years ago
Maybe Mullein. Eventually they produce a really tall flower spike but this time of year they are often noticed as a rosette of soft, fuzzy leaves.
fatamorgana2121
15 years ago
Verbascum thapsus is the botanical name if you wish to look it up. It is not native to North America.

The first year plants are very interesting looking. Mullein is a biennial and flower/self sow in the second year. If you do not want additional ones of these plants, you will need to remove it before it sets seed. It produces COPIOUS amounts of seeds that remain viable for decades. It is rather easy to ID and pull out any young plants.

It's a weed to many and a medicinal herb to others.

FataMorgana
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Microthrix, thanks for responding :) :) :) I searched photos of this plant online and noticed that some are much more compacted (or maybe incorrectly categorized). Are my plant's leaves long and the stock tall because of stretching? I just thought this is how the plant was supposed to look like (since I've never seen it before). I actually prefer the look of mine. My friends call them "bunny ears." There are some new growths. Picture--> http://instagram.com/p/bc7eUOvBlr/ I can't wait to take some cuttings and propagate them. I haven't seen them anywhere else, so I have to be careful to keep my one-of-a-kind (in my garden) plant healthy.
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mosswitch
15 years ago
Mullien does reseed very well. I always leave a few in interesting places for the sculptural quality, but pull out most seedlings as they are very easy to dispose of. As for the yellow flowered moth mullen, I try to keep some transplanted into my wildflower border, I love the dainty yellow flowers. All the mullens transplant very easily.

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