Any of a few hundred species of European and Asian plants, of the genus Verbascum, especially that majority that have yellow flowers. Some species have been introduced to other continents, where some are now seen as invasive pests. Some species, though far from all, have downy leaves, hence common names such as: "velvet plant".

plural of mullein

Verbascum thapsus; great mullein

A common herb of Europe and neighboring Africa and Asia, but widely naturalized elsewhere, Verbascum thapsus, having a flannel-like texture from course plant hairs and a tall, straight flower stalk.

plural of great mullein