Woolly mullein

Why is it a weed? Produces lots of seeds, hardy, not grazed by livestock Where is it found? Most common in drier eastern areas of both islands Is it toxic? Seeds are toxic to fish Other uses Was used in Greek/Roman times to make yellow dye, as wicks and torches, and as a traditional medicine

Usually, I identify a weed or a plant when I'm walking through someone's pasture or crop. But on this day, I was sitting in Auckland Airport (nb: pre virus isolation measures). I was waiting for a flight to Palmerston North to make a presentation on maize when one of my colleagues texted me an image of a weed they hadn't seen before. Woolly mullein (Verbascum thapsus) isn't that common, but it may be one you'll see more of if you live in a region with increasingly longer dry spells. Woolly mullein is native to Europe, Northern Africa and Asia. It was first introduced here as a garden plant in the mid-1800s and is one of four Verbascum species found in NZ. It's quite a distinctive-looking, hairy biennial that can grow up to 2m or taller. Seeds are long-lived and can survive in the soil for many years before germinating in spring or autumn. It forms a rosette in its first year, then produces a tall, thick stem with small, densely-grouped yellow flowers. Woolly mullein grows in a wide variety of habitats, but it prefers: a sunny spot; disturbed, bare areas; dry, light volcanic/stony soil. That's why it's common to find it on sunny hillsides, dry riverbeds, in poorly maintained pasture, waste areas, and on roadsides. Although it's a prolific seeder, it rarely becomes invasive like ragwort or thistles as its seeds need bare soil for germination. NOTE: We recommend you get your own independent advice before you take any action on your block. Any action you take is strictly at your own risk.