Remember all the brush cutting Andy has been doing to preserve the defensible space around the house, shed, and greenhouse? One consequence is all the common mullein plants popping up.
They love full sun and don’t require as much water as grass and many plants, so they’re thriving. Each plant produces a gazillion seeds, and those seeds are viable for decades. They patiently sit there waiting for their chance to thrive. Andy and Kaitlin talk about how at first they felt good after clearing an area, but then the next day a potful more have popped up.
Life is seldom perfect.
August 20, 2021
I read another blog recently that they purposely plant them. I would think they’re invasive. But, what do I know.
You can buy the seeds, but they’re not invasive in gardens because they can’t compete with other plants. They did well right after the fire destroyed all our ground cover, and they love the defensible space for the same reason. If we had more rain Andy could probably get enough grass to grow to keep the mulleins down, but in spite of the bits of moisture we’ve been getting, it hasn’t been enough.
From online site: “Because of its ease to grow and spread uncontrollably it is considered an invasive weed in many states, including Colorado”. Since I’m originally from Colorado, I grew up with it being invasive. I guess it depends on the state
The Forest Service is using herbicides on oxeye daisies because they’re crowding out native plants. Yet seed companies apparently don’t warn people of the potential dangers. 🙁
Interesting how it can be subdued if there is enough other plants. Pretty though with it’s flowers.
They’re fascinating! 🙂
the will to live! or as in the mulleins case… will to survive and thrive!
🙂
Interesting! At first I thought they were the snapdragons I used to enjoy as a child.
I suppose every region has its inconquerable plants/weeds; our bane is kudzu. I’m happy to send you some … maybe it would smother the mulleins. (*grin*)
I had thought kudzu needed moisture so would be no problem here. Instead they’re drought-tolerant too. So thanks for the offer, but…. 😀
We have Mullein arund here. But I have never seen one this large with so many abundant blooms on the top! It is really a sight.
Most of ours get tall like that because they have little competition.
They’re very interesting and that little yellow flower on them is pretty.
They are amazing plants. I’m impressed.
Interesting how nature works. I would imagine they have a purpose of holding the soil in place when other plants can’t thrive. I don’t know if we have them in Michigan or just something that looks similar.
They are distinctive looking the second year with those tall spikes.
that last photo is wonderful, I love these plants, of course i might not if there were zillions i needed to remove… beautiful
I’m really impressed by them. They will outlast us!
They are invasive to be sure, but they are also quite beautiful, and the birds find them to be great perches.
I’m impressed at how prolific they are and how long the seeds remain viable.