Earlier this spring, I found a new (to me) plant: woolly mullein (Verbascum thapsus ssp. thapsus). It started as a basal rosette of large, velvety leaves. I’ve been watching it closely as it has grown taller. Two weeks ago, it was starting to grow its flower stalk. I was looking forward to July, when I could finally get a picture of the flowers. But when I checked on the plant this week, I found that something, probably a deer, had eaten the flower stalk.
Yes, it is not native. Yes, it can spread out quickly and take over an empty field or other open area. Yes, a hungry animal had something to eat. I’m sure it is for the best that this plant did not have a chance to flower and spread its seed everywhere.
But I’m still frustrated that I didn’t have a chance to see the flowers…