Moth Mullein

Description:

This plant produces somewhat small, pale flower in a tall stalk; the reproductive parts are tinted purplish and have a fuzzy appearance. Named "moth mullein" because of the resemblance of its flowers' stamen to that of a moth’s antennae, this plant is another invasive species that is invading North America's wild places. It was first recorded in Pennsylvania in 1818, and was recorded in Michigan in 1840. It has since been found in almost every one of the continental United States, as well as in southern Canada and even Hawaii.

Habitat:

Native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has naturalized in the United States and most of Canada since its introduction. It has been declared a noxious weed by the state of Colorado. In the United States, it’s found most abundantly along the east coast. Though having a wide range of habitats, the mullein is typically found in open fields like pastures and meadows. It can also found in open woods. The moth mullein prefers rich soils and is tolerant of dry, sandy, and even gravelly soils.

Notes:

Spotted growing near the parking lot on Goats Island of Niagara Falls State Park (NY)