Mullein

Flowers are nice. But sometimes it is not about the flowers. Like in this case. The white woolyness on the bright green leaves is a special kind of beautiful. Sometimes if you get up close to a plant and look at the details, it is just amazing. This plant wasn't labeled, but it looks like Verbascum thapsus to me. It has many common names, and many of them refer to the wooly quality I find so fascinating: feltwort, blanket mullein, velvet, Lady's blanket. This plant has been used as a medicinal herb. It is supposed to help with coughs, and used topically is supposed to improve the skin. I think I will stick with products I get at the store. For now.