Would like to find out what this plant is
by
Ellen Warren
+22
This just grew out of no where around my gas meter this year, it is so tall and has
a yellow flower at the very top. Anyone have any idea what this plant is? Thanks
a yellow flower at the very top. Anyone have any idea what this plant is? Thanks
25 answers
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my first guess is.....weed. lol
Becky P
on Jul 12, 2013
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It is a weed.
Kimberly Barney
on Jul 12, 2013
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Common mullein.
Lorah Marquardt
on Jul 12, 2013
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Yes, it is common mullein. Many would consider it a weed but the birds love the seeds.
Sensible Gardening and Living
on Jul 12, 2013
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I agree with mullein. I love it and have let it grow when it finds its way into my flowerbed. It adds quite a bit of interest to a boring flowerbed, not to mention brings birds and bees.
Judy
on Jul 12, 2013
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Thanks for all the comments, I knew it was a weed of some sort but a pretty one I didn't want to pull out and now it is a huge plant with a flower on top. The comments have been very helpful, thanks to all.
Ellen Warren
on Jul 12, 2013
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Yes Mullein - lots of medicinal herbal applications for earaches and coughs. And surprisingly, the root can help an out of sorts back -
NancyLee
on Jul 12, 2013
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It's a weed. Get rid of it before it seeds down.
Carol Betz-Vogus
on Jul 12, 2013
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I had one once too and I agree with the others, it is a mullein.
Elaine Simmons
on Jul 14, 2013
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Its seen is very often found in common wild bird feed. And that is how it probably gets distributed in the suburbs....we put it in bird feeders and the birds trash it. I do love the look!
Emilia Menthe
on Jul 14, 2013
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You have a mullein! I love them; we have them spring up on our property and enjoy them. They grow along the roadside into town and "light" the way. I believe some people call them candelabras.
June
on Jul 14, 2013
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IDK what it is but it's not attractive> I would get rid of it! Yuck!!!
Rosa
on Jul 14, 2013
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Mullein, which is very good for herbal infusion for many different ailments. Some Skin disorders, not for internal use, but very helpful to have. If you don't like where it's at move it, but don't get ready of it...
Vanessa Godfrey
on Jul 14, 2013
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How do you prepare it for the skin? Make a cream of what?
Karen
on Jul 14, 2013
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Mullein is a bi-annual. The first year is puts out a base of small leaves and the next year the stalk shoots up. If you want to keep it for this year and not have it spread just look for the leaf base next year and pull it out
Lindakyeakle
on Jul 14, 2013
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It's a weed
Frances S
on Jul 14, 2013
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Mullein is one of the most valuable plants for medicinal uses around, the seeds are NOT used in commercial bird seed, they are the size of the tip of a pin... the base leaves can be steamed and used to wrap a sprained wrist, ankle, knee, elbow, etc. and greatly reduce swelling and inflammation... the leaves can also be washed and made into a tea for sore throats and coughs...the leaves can be harvested and hung to dry and they remain soft and supple for years making them easy to keep on hand for those sprained ankles and limbs. The difference between a flower and a weed is the desire to have it or not in one's yard.
Sharron W
on Jul 14, 2013
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the word WEED is in the eye of the beholder. this is indeed Mullein and one of my favorites.. I would LOVE to have one volunteer at my door. Google it..it's one of the most beneficial plants on the planet.
Candace Welsh-Payne
on Jul 14, 2013
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Mullein is a biennial. It takes two years to produce a stalk. The leaves or dried flowers are sometimes made into a tea for respiratory issues. Here in Idaho, it grows wild along with Yarrow; the two together make a nice combo.
Jenny@birdsandsoap
on Jul 15, 2013
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One woman's weed is another woman's medicine...............
NancyLee
on Jul 15, 2013
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Its a Herb, Mullien...you can use the leaves as loo paper and it has lots of uses;Mullein flowers also provide a soothing and cleansing effect to the skin. As a wash, they are an easy treatment for minor wounds and scrapes. These same flowers can be picked throughout the growing season, placed in olive oil and left to infuse. The resulting infusion is wonderful for earaches that do NOT involve a ruptured eardrum. Add beeswax to the infused oil, and you will have a balm that makes a great addition to any baby's changing table. The delicate skin of a baby's diaper area can benefit from a light layer of this mullein balm.
Karen Frost
on Jul 15, 2013
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Rosa, do you think you were a bit harsh? I do. If you can't say something nice or productive, just don't comment. See, it is a useful herb. I think it's interesting. Who knew, Karen Frost thanks.
Karen
on Jul 15, 2013
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Thanks so much for all the input and comments, it helped a lot and I now know what I have here. Thanks again, Ellen w.
Ellen Warren
on Jul 16, 2013
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Here in NC, we call it rabbit tobacco!
Denise
on Jul 17, 2013
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Well, what folks don't want in there gardens will be labeled "weeds", if they don't mind them growing elsewhere they'll call them wild flowers. When I'm teaching the kids and teens about plants, I always give the name and the purposes attributed to them. Mullien has many medicinal properties and other beneficial uses. The indians used the large velvet leaves to line their clothes and beds and even inside of shoes in the winter. Dried leaves were used in torches. Plant history is very cool indeed!
Peg
on Jul 17, 2013
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