Mullein
EN

Mullein

Verbascum densiflorum

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbascum_densiflorum

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Verbascum densiflorum faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural intensification and urban development across its native European range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in traditional land management practices, as it depends on disturbed soils and open habitats that are increasingly rare. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect seed germination and establishment success.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dense-flowered mullein typically inhabits disturbed soils, roadside verges, abandoned fields, and forest clearings across temperate European regions. The species thrives in well-drained, nutrient-poor soils with full sun exposure and requires periodic disturbance to maintain suitable growing conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Scrophulariaceae

White MulleinVU

White Mullein

Verbascum lychnitis

Unknown
MudwortEN

Mudwort

Limosella aquatica

Unknown
CR

Buddleja curviflora

Unknown
Water figwortCR

Water figwort

Scrophularia umbrosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mullein classified as Endangered?
Mullein is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Verbascum densiflorum faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural intensification and urban development across its native European range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in traditional land management practices, as it depends on disturbed soils and open habitats that are increasingly rare. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect seed germination and establishment success.
Where does Mullein live?
Mullein occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mullein?
The main threats to Mullein are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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