Scrophulariaceae, the figwort family.
Description:
Plant:
Tall, usually upright plant, 2'-4', sparsely hairy, occasionally branching,
with long, spike-like raceme of white or yellow flowers.
Several stems generally arise from the base. Biennial.
Flowers:
Yellow or white, 3/4"-5/4" with five rounded petals and five stamens covered
with purple hairs. Borne sparsely, on short stems on a long, spike-like raceme.
Leaves:
Opposite, simple, to 5", triangular to lanceolate, more or less toothed,
sessile and clasping the stem.
Fruit:
Nearly spherical capsule, 1/4"-3/8", with terminal spikelet,
on medium-length stem.
Blooming:
June-September
Habitat:
Fields, woodland borders, roadsides.
Comments:
This plant occurs in both yellow and white-flowering forms, generally considered the
same species. There is a separate page for the white form here moth mullein white UNMATCHED.
The hairy stamens were thought to resemble the
antennae of a moth, hence the common name. The flowers appear progressively,
a few at a time, each lasting only a day or so.
Naturalized from Europe.
Where to find it:
Widely scattered in weedy fields in the park.
