moth mullein
Definition
Noun: 1. A biennial Eurasian plant (Verbascum blattaria) of the figwort family, characterized by smooth, hairless leaves and tall spikes of flowers that are typically pale yellow, sometimes with a purplish center. It has been introduced and naturalized in other regions, including North America.
Usage Notes
- "Moth mullein" refers specifically to the plant species . It is often found in disturbed soils, roadsides, and fields.
- The name is thought to derive from the historical use of its leaves or flowers to repel moths from clothing.
Examples
- The field was dotted with the tall, slender spikes of moth mullein.
- Unlike common mullein, moth mullein has smooth, glabrous leaves.
- Botanists are studying the spread of moth mullein in the prairie ecosystem.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical or ecological writing, the term is used precisely to distinguish from other species, such as the common mullein ().
Variants and Related Words
- Scientific Name:
- Common Mullein (): A related but distinct species with very hairy, woolly leaves.
Synonyms
- (scientific name)
Different Meanings
- There are no other common meanings for this specific two-word term. It refers exclusively to the plant.
Noun
-
European mullein with smooth leaves and large yellow or purplish flowers; naturalized as a weed in North America
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