Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Scrophulariaceae ⟩ Verbascum nigrum / dark mullein

Verbascum nigrum L.

dark mullein (Scrophulariaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
WidespreadStrong tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Verbascum nigrum is (after Verbascum thapsus) our second most widespread native Verbascum species, growing naturally in southern and central England and a small area of South Wales.

Maidensgrove (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2016-07-28

 dark mullein / Verbascum nigrum: _Verbascum nigrum_ is (after _Verbascum thapsus_) our second most widespread native _Verbascum_ species, growing naturally in southern and central England and a small area of South Wales.

The flowers of Verbascum nigrum are typically yellow, borne in groups of 2 or more, with all 5 anthers reniform and bearing purple hairs.

Northleach (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2022-07-07

 dark mullein / Verbascum nigrum: The flowers of _Verbascum nigrum_ are typically yellow, borne in groups of 2 or more, with all 5 anthers reniform and bearing purple hairs.

Unlike the alien Verbascum chaixii, the leaves of Verbascum nigrum are cordate at the base.

Maidensgrove (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2016-07-28

 dark mullein / Verbascum nigrum: Unlike the alien _Verbascum chaixii_, the leaves of _Verbascum nigrum_ are cordate at the base.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne