Common mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not a food plant; no preparation guidance is given.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

not stated by the NC State page (no hazard section)

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No ASPCA page assesses common mullein and the NC State page has no pet-problem tags, so the pet verdict is 'not listed'. This is not a clearance.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Verbascum thapsus, not on the common name.. NC State says it is often confused with Reseda luteola (weld) and Stachys byzantina (lamb's ear).

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a-9b (NC State)
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); tolerates some shade (NC State).
Water needs: low
Mature size: Height 3 ft to 10 ft (flower stalk can reach 10 ft or more); width 2 ft to 3 ft (NC State).
Where it comes from: Native to Europe and Asia; naturalized across the United States and Canada (NC State). NC State attribute lists region of origin as Europe.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon