Verbascum thapsus subsp. montanum, commonly known as Great Mullein, Aaron’s Rod, or Common Mullein, is a biennial herb that is native to a wide range of habitats including meadows, grasslands, and areas of disturbed soil especially throughout Europe, but also in North Africa, and Asia. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 3-7 feet (0.9-2.1 meters) and a width of 1.5-2 feet (0.5-0.6 meters). The plant features a rosette of large, woolly, basal leaves and a tall, erect stem with densely packed yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but are attractive to a variety of pollinators.

Great Mullein is valued for its striking vertical form and its foliage, which adds texture to garden plantings. It is often used in naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens. It thrives in full sun. It adapts to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed prolifically and may become weedy in some conditions. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread and may need to manage seedlings to prevent unwanted naturalization. It is potentially invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0