Jfigwort Jfamil^. 



Moth Mullein. Verbascum Blattaria. 



Found, during July and August, on sand-banks, pastures, and 

 waysides. 



The leafy, large, round stalk grows to be 2 or 3 feet high ; it is 

 tough-fibred, and the surface is ridgy and smooth ; light green. 



The large leaf is oblong in shape with an irregularly notched and 

 toothed margin ; its stout midrib is flattened above, all the ribs and 

 veins show plainly, the texture being thin and smooth, the upper sur- 

 face somewhat glossy. The lowest leaves are on short stems, the others 

 are somewhat clasping ; they are placed alternately, and neai- together. 

 The color is a pleasing green. 



The coi'olla is like the common Mullein in shape and texture ; in 

 color either yellow, or white, tinted with lavender. The 5 stamens, 

 with curiously shaped, red-orange tips, are fringed with a double row 

 of dull crimson, woolly threads ; the pistil, also, is orange-tipped ; the 

 calyx is 5-parted, with slender tips. The flowers, on slender stems, are 

 placed alternately, in long, leafy spires. All the calices, little leaves, 

 and foot-stems are covered with fine woolly hairs. 



The bud is 5-sided, and the seed-box is a good deal inflated. The 

 peculiar orange of the stamen tips resembles a flowering moss, — their 

 woolly fringe, of course, occasions the name. This elegantly growing 

 plant, with its interesting leaf, is common only in certain localities. 



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