Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Report if seen anywhere on Maui
Known from and potential habitat
Species Info General
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Considered very invasive and is on the Hawaii State Noxious Weed List. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated this species as one of Hawaii’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants. Regulations prohibit the intentional propagation and distribution of this plant.
Identification/Description
- Herbaceous biennial that reaches up to 10′ tall by its second year.
- Large oval-shaped leaves range in size from 3-20″ long and 1-5.5″ wide. Covered in dense woolly hairs.
- Sends up a flower stalk in the second year reaching 10′ tall, clusters of small yellow flowers grow in a random fashion along the stalk.
- Native to Europe, mullein is naturalized in temperate areas of the world and has been intentionally cultivated for its medical properties.
Impacts
- Quickly colonizes disturbed areas and out-competes native vegetation.
- Produces numerous seeds that may remain dormant for over 100 years.
- Drought-tolerant and able to withstand cold, mullein could invade native alpine ecosystem in Hawaiʻi in places like Haleakalā
On Maui
First discovered in 1986 at over 9,000′ on Haleakalā. It has since been found cultivated at several locations in Kula, all known locations are under active control and surveillance.
Control info/Info on what MISC does about it
- Coming Soon!
