Common Mullein

Common Mullein along Indian Woods Trail | Laurel Park, NC. April 26, 2025

Common Mullein also goes by Woolly Mullein, Common Mullein, Flannel-plant, and Velvet-plant. It is an invasive, showy plant in Laurel Park, usually in full vegetative growth by late April. It is often found on roadsides or in disturbed areas, usually in full sun. Common Mullein is a monocarpic perennial (i.e., takes two or more years to flower and die).

Common Mullein was introduced to North America, first in Virginia, in the mid-1700s as a fish poison. It quickly spread throughout the U.S. and is well established throughout the eastern states. Records show that it was first described in Michigan in 1839 and on the Pacific coast in 1876, probably due to multiple introductions as a medicinal herb. It is originally native to Europe and Asia. During the autumn and winter, the seeds are dispersed mechanically near the parent plant.

In North Carolina, Common Mullein is included on Watch List A: (Exotic plants that naturalize and may become a problem in the future; includes species that are or could become widespread in North Carolina. At this time, more information is needed.)

Control of Common Mullein is best done early in the season, before the plant increases in size and mainly before seeds are produced.

Mechanical Control

Weeding can control mullein in small quantities. Remove the entire underground root structure. If blooms or seed capsules are present, reproductive structures should be removed, bagged, and properly disposed of in a sanitary landfill. Care should be taken, however, to minimize soil disturbance, as loose soil will facilitate mullein seed germination.

Chemical Control

In situations where hand-pulling plants is not practical or safe, such as on very steep slopes where hand-pulling is dangerous or would cause significant soil disturbance, herbicidal control is an effective option. Apply a 2% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr, water, and a non-ionic surfactant, using a tank or backpack sprayer, to cover all leaves thoroughly. Read and follow all label directions before using any herbicide.

Common Mullein flowering. © Erik Danielson