146. Mullein

The lesson, step by step

1. When and where

   Mullein grows in dry pastures, roadsides and gravelly places. The tall flower stalk blooms all summer and into fall; the flat, woolly rosettes can be found any time, even in winter. The hairs can itch: don't rub your eyes after touching it.

2. The leading thought

   The mullein has its leaves covered with felt, which prevents evaporation during the dry weather and also prevents animals from grazing upon the plant. It has a deep root, and this gives moisture and food beyond the reach of most other plants.

3. A pasture walk

   Comstock suggests a walk to see which plants grazing animals leave alone.

   Where does the mullein grow? Do you ever see it in swamps or woodlands? Do cattle or sheep eat it? Why?

4. The felt

   Look at a mullein leaf with a lens and describe its appearance.

   Under the lens the hairs look like tiny branched trees.

5. Flowers

   Do the mullein flowers nearest the base or the tip begin to blossom first?

   Describe the mullein flower. How many lobes has the calyx? Are these covered with felt? How many petals?

6. Two years

   Does the mullein grow from the seed to maturity in one year? How does it look at the end of the first season? Describe the winter rosette, telling how it is fitted to live beneath the snows of winter.

7. Nature notebook

   Draw a first-year rosette from above and a second-year flower stalk. For a writing day:

   Write a theme telling all the ways the mullein has of flourishing and of combating other plants.