HOARY MULLEIN Verbascum pulverulentum

Pannog Lwyd

Hoary Mullein is a striking native wildflower, easily recognised by its tall, branching flower spikes and distinctive greyish-white, woolly foliage. In summer, its stems carry masses of small, pale yellow flowers, creating an impressive architectural display that can reach up to 1.5 metres tall. The soft, powdery appearance of its leaves and stems gives this unusual plant its common name.

A biennial or short-lived perennial, usually flowering once before setting seed.

It can be found on coastal shingle, dry grassland, gravelly ground, quarries, railway embankments and other open, disturbed habitats. In Britain, it has a relatively restricted distribution, with its main strongholds in East Anglia and parts of southern Wales. 

Hoary Mullein thrives in full sun and prefers dry, well-drained soil. It is well suited to gravel gardens, exposed sites and nutrient-poor ground. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, particularly during winter.

The flowers attract visiting insects, while the foliage can support specialist moth caterpillars. Allowing some flower spikes to mature and set seed helps this species regenerate naturally. It is the larval food plant of the Mullein moth.

An excellent choice for wildlife gardens, naturalistic planting, gravel gardens and conservation projects. Its tall flower stems add height and structure, while its silvery foliage contrasts beautifully with grasses and other drought-tolerant native wildflowers. Allowing it to self-seed in suitable open ground can help maintain a continuing display.

The botanical name pulverulentum refers to the plant's powdery appearance, caused by the dense covering of pale hairs on its leaves and stems. 

It likes light soils and sunny spots. 

BSBI 2025 Categorisation: Nationally Scarce

Height: up to 150cm

Flowers: June to August

Colour: Yellow