Moth Mullein

Moth Mullein, Verbascum blattaria

Moth Mullein is a biennial native to Eurasia that was introduced to the eastern United States in the early 1800s and has since spread westward. It has naturalized throughout most states and large portions of Canada, and is considered a noxious, invasive weed and resides on the state invasive list for Colorado. With a preference for highly disturbed areas which includes pastures, vacant lots, roadsides, meadows, and open fields, moth mullein can reach 1.5 m (5 ft) in height. It is a self-seeding plant, but finches have been reported consuming the seeds. An experiment conducted by William James Beal, known as the Beal Seed Viability Experiment, found that the seeds of moth mullein are viable for at least 120 years. The experiment began in 1879 and is still ongoing. Moth mullein has also gained attention for a methanol extract with potential to successfully control mosquito larvae.