I Spy in the Sea to Sky

Great Mullein is an invasive species in the Sea to Sky. This time of year you can recognize it by its large rosette of fuzzy leaves and its tall stalk with bright yellow flowers covering the top.

Its leaves are so furry that animals won’t eat it, and it is resistant to most contact herbicides which just roll right off its fuzzy leaves. Great Mullein spreads rapidly by seed and takes over open, disturbed areas. It hosts pests such as powdery mildew and root rot as well as problematic overwintering insects for agriculture.

If you have it in your yard, you can easily pull Mullein out by hand due to its shallow taproot.

About author Claude-Anne Godbout-Gauthier

Clo is the Communications and Outreach Manager at SSISC, and has been writing about all things invasive since 2018. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Program Evaluation, and a college degree in Horticulture.
There's a special place in her heart for a good pun, knitting, and outdoor activities. She hails from Gatineau, Quebec.