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Key identifying traits
1st year rosette of soft, fuzzy, light green leaves
2nd year; large fuzzy alternate overlapping leaves and a single,
stout erect stem, 2 to 8 feet tall
One or more long terminal flower spikes per stem
Flowers are 5 lobed and sulfur to pale yellow color developing as
flower spike extends
Numerous tiny, angular, brownish seeds in 2-chambered capsules
Tall brown stalks from previous season easily seen all year-remain
standing throughout winter
Biology and ecology
Biennial from a stout tap root
Seeds are viable for 70 years and omnipresent
Existing seed supply will yield plants when soil is exposed by fire
or other disturbance
Unpalatable to livestock due to soft, fine hairs
Flowers and seed production from June to August
Prefers dry, sunny, gravelly sites but will appear on various
exposed soils-one of the first weeds to move into or germinate in
disturbed sites
Control
Prevention Learn to
identify plants; know your property; minimize exposed soil and
overgrazing; dont play sword-fights with the stalks which is a great
way to spread the seeds!
Biological None present and no current research
Cultural Good vegetative cover and management are the best
means to avoid proliferation of mullein
Mechanical Will not stand tillage; pulling or cutting below
root crown when the soil is damp is effective if done prior to seed
production
Chemical A few are effective but only if combined with a
surfactant to aid in penetration past the hairs;
refer to the
PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific chemical recommendations
listed in various crop sections |
rosette
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