Cretan mullein (Verbascum creticum)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Verbascum creticum L.
Common name(s):	Cretan Mullein

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

Needs excellent drainage (Benu 2008), Full sun (PLSU 2008). Unlikely to invade intact communities (Illinoiswildflowers 2008). Fields,barren
pastures(BOGA 2008), road verges, coastal cliffs (Webb et al. 1988).

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Pasture dryland; pasture irrigated

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; grassy/heathy dry forest; lowland forest; granitic hillslopes; rocky outcrop shrubland; basalt grassland; alluvial plains grassland; semi-arid woodland; ironbark/box; chenopod shrubland; chenopod
mallee; hummock-grass mallee; lowan mallee

Colours indicate possibility of Verbascum creticum infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

map showing the potential distribution of cretan mullein

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	Height 1.2m, width 40cm (CAG 2008). Large monospecific stands could significantly restrict access (see simular species V. thapsus photo in (Landcare notes 2007)). But biennial, so periodic high nuisance value only or patchy restriction when different age groups in stand. High nuisance value. People and/or vehicles access with difficulty.	MH	M
2. Reduce tourism?	“Stunning flowers (CGF 2008) and sweet scented, “Emits the scent of ripe pineapple” (ANAN 2008). But possibility remains for it to be a nuisance to recreational users when growing in large monospecific stands (see above question 1). Minor effects to aesthetics and/or recreational uses (ie. aware but not bothered or activity inhibited).	ML	M
3. Injurious to people?	“Blade hairy, hairs gland tipped and not gland tipped, hairs simple (Florabase 2008). No spines or burrs to cause injury (Webb et al 1988), some mention in the literature of some Verbascum species being poisonous to livestock (Spencer 2002). Butler Lane (1843) observed that an extract of the dried leaves of Verbascum blattaria, killed a number of cats and dogs but from his observations on adult humans it appeared to be possibly very useful as a sedative. Mildly toxic, may cause some physiological issues (eg. Hayfever, minor rashes, minor damage from spines and burrs at certain times of the year.	ML	M
4. Damage to cultural sites?	No mention in literature of any simular Verbascum species having the ability to cause damage to sites and infrastructure (pers. Obs). Damage is unlikey although moderate negative visual effects could be caused by dense infestations (see simular species V. Thapsus photo in (Landcare notes 2007)). Moderate visual effect.	ML	MH
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	Does not grow in water and probably not on banks either – Needs excellent drainage (Benu 2008). No noticeable effect on dissolved O2 OR light levels.	L	MH
6. Impact water quality?	Does not grow in water and probably not on banks either – Needs excellent drainage (Benu 2008). No noticeable effect on dissolved O2 OR light levels.	L	MH
7. Increase soil erosion?	Western Australia: “found occasionally around old settlements” (Wweeds 2008).” “occasional in Opotiki” (Webb et al. 1988). “It is moderately common” (Utas 2008). “Rare or localised, medium to large populations (TNC 2008). “In tolerable abundance” (BOGA 2008). Few widely scattered localities (Landcare notes 2007). No reports in literature of V.creticum forming large monospecific stands where die back of monospeciefic, even aged stands could cause soil erosion, although this is possible for simular species V. Thapsus (Landcare notes 2007). moderate probability of large scale soil movement.	ML	M
8. Reduce biomass?	Invades lowland grassland and grassy woodland (Carr et al. 1992), if it displaces grass, or other herbs and seedlings would have minimal impact on biomass. Although in the woodland if it grows to a large enough abundance, forms clumps, such as simular species V. blattaria (BRNA 2008) - so that it prevents the establishment of tree, native bushes and shrub seedling it could eventually reduce biomass, but no reports of this in the literature (pers. Obs).	M	M
9. Change fire regime?	Biennial Herb, basal rosette and flowering stalk (CAG 2008). If a number of plants die together after flowering may provide fuel for fire, but the quantity of fuel is unlikely to be substantial. Small or negligible effect on fire risk.	L	M
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Plains woodland (E); CMA =Goulburn broken; Bioregion =Victorian Riverina; VH CLIMATE potential. Grassy woodland (Carr et al. 1992). May displace, herbs, grasses and prevent establishment of tree, shrub seedlings (ANHP 2008). Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strata/layer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	MH
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Grassy dry forest(D); CMA =North East; Bioregion =Northern Inland Slopes; VH CLIMATE potential. Grassy woodland (Carr et al. 1992). May displace, herbs, grasses and prevent establishment of tree, shrub seedlings (ANHP 2008). Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strata/layer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	MH
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Dunefield Heathfield (LC); CMA =Mallee; Bioregion = Lowan Mallee; VH CLIMATE potential. Coastal cliffs, waste ground (Webb et al. 1988). Easy will grow anywhere (HVDMO 2008). May displace, herbs, grasses and prevent establishment of tree, shrub seedlings (ANHP 2008). Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strata/layer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	MH
11. Impact on structure?	V. creticum is the smallest of the Verbascum species in Tasmania. Like the other species, it is an erect often unbranched.herb (Utas 2008). “Is less robust than other Verbascum species” (Wweeds 2008). May displace other herbs and grasses when growing in grassy woodlands (ANHP 2008; Carr et al 1992) may prevent establishment of tree, shrub seedlings, as V. Thapsus appears to do (ANHP 2008). No reports in literature. Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species within any one strata/layer (eg. Ground cover, forbs, shrubs and trees).	ML	M
12. Effect on threatened flora?	Simular Verbascum species are unlikely to invade intact communities (Illinoiswildflowers 2008). May compete with simular life forms that are threatened and which require disturbance to establish, although data on this is lacking. (Pers. Obs). At high densities V. Thapsus appears to prevent the establishment of native herbs and grasses following fire or other disturbance (ANHP 2008). Any population of a VROT spp is reduced.	ML	M
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	Simular Verbascum species are unlikely to invade intact communities (Illinoiswildflowers 2008). May displace some native herbs and grasses but data is lacking. Unlikely to be palatable (Illinoiswildflowers 2008; Spencer 2002). Minor effects on threatened species.; minor hazard OR reduction in habitat/food/ shelter.	ML	M
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	Simular Verbascum species are unlikely to invade intact communities (Illinoiswildflowers 2008). May displace some native herbs and grasses but data is lacking. Unlikely to be palatable (Illinoiswildflowers 2008; Spencer 2002). Minor effects on fauna species.; minor hazard OR reduction in habitat / food/ shelter.	ML	M
15. Benefits fauna?	Does not appear to attract birds and insects (PLSU 2008; Illinoiswildflowers 2008) May contain toxins as simular Verbascum species do (Spencer 2002). Provides very little support to desirable species.	H	MH
16. Injurious to fauna?	V. creticum does not attract hummingbird, sunbird or nectar feeding varieties of garden birds, and does not attract butterflies (PLSU 2008). Some simular Verbascum species are poisonous to livestock (Spencer 2002). Some simular Verbascum species repel insects and are not eaten by livestock and groundhogs (Illinoiswildflowers 2008). V. creticum is unlikely to attract threatened fauna and may have toxins. No spines or burrs to cause injury (Webb et al 1988). Mildly toxic, may cause fauna to lose condition.	ML	M
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	V. creticum does not attract nectar feeding birds and insects (PLSU 2008). Simular species of Verbascum are avoided by herbivores (Illinoiswildflowers 2008). Some species of Verbascum are poisonous to livestock (Spencer 2002). Although simular species V. blattria’ seeds are reportedly eaten by finches (oardc 2008). provides minimal food for pest animals.	L	M
18. Provides harbor?	Closely related V. Thapsus is a host for numerous diseases and pests (ANHP 2008). Simular species repel insects (pfaf 2008). Plant consists of a basal leaf rosette and central stem (HVDMO 2008). Therefore unlikely to be able harbour any larger non – insect animal pests. Doesn’t provide harbour for serious pest species, but may provide for minor pest species.	ML	M
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	V. creticum requires “Full sun” (PLSU 2008) – simular species V. blattaria does not tolerate shade (pfaf 2008) or tilling (oardc 2008), and therefore is not a weed of crops. But V. creticum is reported to grow in fields (HVDMO 2008) and barren pastures (BOGA 2008), it is unlikely to be palatable (PLSU 2008; Illinoiswildflowers 2008; Spencer 2002) Also a number of Verbascum species are toxic to livestock (Spencer 2002). Although not reported to be fatal or toxic to livestock. V. creticum may contain some toxins which could cause some livestock to become ill. Little or negligible affect on quantity of yield	L	M
20. Impact quality?	V. creticum requires “Full sun” (PLSU 2008) – simular species V. blattaria does not tolerate shade (pfaf 2008) or tilling (oardc 2008), and therefore is not a weed of crops. But V. creticum is reported to grow in fields (HVDMO 2008) and barren pastures (BOGA 2008), it is unlikely to be palatable (Illinoiswildflowers 2008; Spencer 2002) therefore may increase in abundance under heavy grazing and reduce food availability for livestock. Rare or localised, medium to large populations (Carr et al. 1992). May therefore under heavy grazing form large populations. Also may contain toxins (Spencer 2002). Worst case scenario Major impact on quality of produce (eg. 5-20%).	MH	M
21. Affect land value?	V. creticum is reported to grow in fields (HVDMO 2008) and barren pastures (BOGA 2008), it is unlikely to be palatable (Illinoiswildflowers 2008; Spencer 2002) therefore may increase in abundance under heavy grazing and reduce food availability for livestock. Rare or localised, medium to large populations (Carr et al. 1992). May therefore under heavy grazing form large populations. Also may contain toxins (Spencer 2002). In this circumstance land value may be affected. In addition, simular species V. Thapsus seeds contaminate a wide range of materials (Landcare Notes 2007). A number of control methods exist for Verbascum species (Landcare Notes 2007). Decreases in land value <10%.	ML	M
22. Change land use?	Unlikely to change land use. If it becomes a major problem in grazing land a change to cropping is possible, but no reports of this being done were found in the literature (pers. Obs). In addition, a number of control methods exist for simular Verbascum species (Landcare Notes 2007). Some change, but no serious alteration of either agricultural return. Affects more the visual rather than intrinsic agricultural value.	ML	MH
23. Increase harvest costs?	“A robust plant widely covered by hairs” (HVDMO 2008). “the dense hairs on the leaves can prevent herbicides from entering the plant” (ANHP 2008), but other methods of control for Verbascum species exist (Landcare Notes 2007). If dense infestations occur (ANHP 2008; Carr et al. 1992) and seeds contaminate the soil (Landcare notes 2007; Telewski & Zeevaart 2002) the cost of control may be significant. Minor increase in cost of harvesting – eg. Slightly more time or labour is required.	M	MH
24. Disease host/vector?	A number of different species of stem and leaf miners have been recorded on Verbascum species in Britain including V. creticum (Ukflymines 2008). Provides host to minor (or common) pests, or diseases.	MH	M

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	“Should self seed in well drained soil. Very tough.” (CAG 2008; Benu 2008). “Stunning self seeding biennial” (CGF 2008). “Easy and will grow anywhere but it is very responsive to good soil” (CGF 2008). “Easy, any soil reseeds” (ANAN 2008). Opportunistic germinator, can germinate strike/ set root at any time whenever water is available.	H	MH
2. Establishment requirements?	“V. creticum is a garden escape, found occasionally around old settlements”(WWeeds 2008). Fields or roadsides (HVDMO 2008). Roadverges (Florabase 2008). Cleared areas, Coastal cliffs, pastures (Webb et al. 1988). Barren pasture (BOGA 2008). “Needs excellent drainage (Benu 2008). Like other simular Verbascum species (Landcare Notes 2007) it is found in disturbed habitats (Webb et al. 1988), therefore would require disturbance to germinate in intact plant communities. Requires more specific requirements to establish (eg. Open space with access to light and direct rainfall).	ML	MH
3. How much disturbance is required?	“found occasionally around old settlements”. (WWeeds 2008). Fields or roadsides (HVDMO 2008). Roadverges (Florabase 2008). Cleared areas, Coastal cliffs, pastures (Webb et al. 1988). Barren pasture (BOGA 2008). Establishes in highly disturbed natural ecosystems (eg. Roadsides, wildlife corridors, or areas which have a greater impact by humans such as tourist areas or campsites) or in over grazed pastures/poorly growing or patchy crops.	ML	MH
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Biennial herb - Hemicryptophyte (HVDMO 2008) - (A plant having buds at the soil surface and protected by scales, snow, or litter). Other.	L	H
5. Allelopathic properties?	None reported in literature for this species or simular species in the genus (Landcare Notes 2007; pers. Obs).	M	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	Simular species Great Mullein (Landcare Notes 2007) is suspected of being poisonous, but in pastures is rarely eaten by livestock, and V. blattaria : “ there were groundhogs with dens nearby, but they did not appear to bother this species preferring other plants” (Illinoiswildflowers 2008). Also “V. blattaria repels insects (pfaf 2008) and some Verbascum species are poisonous to livestock (Spencer 2002). Found in pastures (Webb et al. 1988). Therefore V. creticum is unlikely to be palatable to herbivores. Favoured by heavy grazing pressure as not eaten by animals/ insects and not under a biological control program in Australia/ New Zealand.	H	M
7. Normal growth rate?	“The plant initially consists of a quick growing rosette, up to 40cm across….At any time, from spring through to autumn, tall spires, bearing five petalled flowers, the largest we have seen on any Verbascum are produced” (CAG 2008). Closely related V. Thapsus displaces native herbs and grasses in sparsely vegetated meadows (ANHP 2008). Rapid growth rate that will exceed most other species of the same life form.	H	M
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	“robust biennial herb” (Florabase 2008). Hemicryptophyte (HVDMO 2008) - (A plant having buds at the soil surface and protected by scales, snow, or litter). Needs excellent drainage (Benu 2008). Very tough. (CAG 2008; Benu 2008), Protected buds and the fact that close relative V. blattaria is drought and frost resistant means that V. creticum is likely to be tolerant of these conditions too but is not able to tolerate waterlogging – it requires excellent drainage (Benu 2008). But similar species, close relative V. Thapsus requires greater than 500mm rainfall/yr (Landcare Notes 2007) and V.creticum is less robust than other Verbascum species (Wweeds 2008). Tolerant to at least two and susceptible to at least one.	ML	MH
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	self seeding (CGF 2008). Interspecific hybrids are common (HVDMO 2008). Sexual (self AND cross-pollination).	ML	MH
10. Number of propagules produced?	Fruit Dehiscent (Bursts/ splits open to release seeds), a capsule, non-fleshy, 10-15mm long. (Florabase 2008). Verbascum genus: seeds numerous, usually pitted and rugose, very small.” (Webb et al. 1988). Simular species and close relatives V. blattaria and V. Thapsus both produce many thousands of seeds (Oardc 2008; Landcare Notes 2007). Also given that the capsules are estimated to contain at least 40 seeds per capsule from photo (MWP 2008) and simular species V. blattaria produces over 1000 capsules (Oardc 2008) but V.creticum have largest flowers in Verbascum genus (CAG 2008) so less capsules likely - it is very likely that V. creticum produces 1000 seeds or more. 1000-2000.	MH	MH
11. Propagule longevity?	Many Verbascum species are reported to have seeds that can germinate after 100 years of being buried in the soil (Telewski & Zeevaart 2002; Landcare notes 2007) Greater than 25% of seeds can survive over 20 years in the soil.	H	MH
12. Reproductive period?	Biennial (Webb et al. 1988). Long flowering through spring, summer, autumn (Esler (1987). But in native range it is stated to flower for three months (HVDMO 2008). Flowers Oct-Dec in Western Australia (Florabase 2008). FL: Dec – Jul (NZ) (Webb et al. 1988). Simular species V. Thapsus is biennial but may become a short lived perennial (Landcare Notes 2007). Mature plant produces viable propagules for 1-2 years.	ML	MH
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	Biennial (CGF 2008) Produces propagules between 1-2 years after germination, or vegetative propagules become separate individuals between 1-2 years.	MH	MH
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	“Seeds cylindric-conic to cylindric-oblong, very rugose, apex truncate” (Webb et al. 1988). Seeds of simular species V. Thapsus and V. blattaria are virtually indistinguishable (oardc 2008) V. Thapsus seeds are not adapted for long distance dispersal – Movement of the stalk by wind or large animals can disperse seeds as far as 11m (ANHP 2008). V. Thapsus “seeds have no special adaptation for dispersal but can contaminate a wide range of materials. They mainly fall within a short distance of the plant” (Landcare Notes 2000). Accidental human dispersal.	MH	MH
15. How far do they disperse?	Small seeds (0.1 – 1.0 mg) (Esler 1987). Simular Verbascum species are not adapted for long distance dispersal - They mainly fall within a short distance of the plant (Lancare Notes 2007; ANHP 2008). Very unlikely to disperse greater than 200 metres, most less than 20m.	L	MH

References

ANAN (2008). Annies Annuals & Perennials. “Cretan Mullein”. www.anniesannuals.com (14/11/2008).

ANHP (2008) Alaska National Heritage Program. Common Mullein – Verbascum Thapsus L. http://akweeds.uaa.alaska.edu/pdfs/species_bios_pdfs/Species_bios_VETH.pdf (11/11/2008).

Benu (2008). Herbaceous perennials – Spring 2004. http://www.beechesnursery.co.uk/herbaceous/herbuz.htm (14/11/2008).

BOGA (2008) Botanic Gardens. Ie : Scrophulariaceae (Celsia cretica) http://www.botanicgardens.ie/glasra/aliens/221_234.pdf (14/11/2008).

BRNA (2008) Brother Nature: Organic seeds: Verbascum blattaria. http://www.brothernature.ca/seed.asp?id=48 (12/11/2008).

Carr, G. W., Yugovic, J. V., and Robinson, K. E. (1992). Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria. Conservation and Management Implications. Department of Conservation and Environment and Ecological horticulture PTY LTD.

CAG (2008). Country air gardens: http://cag.iinet.net.au/descs/verbascum.shtml (12/11/2008).

CGF (2008) Cotsworld Garden Flowers. Verbascum creticum. http://www.cgf.net/plants.php?genus+VERBASCUM (13/11/2008).

Esler, A. E. (1987). The Naturalisation of plants in urban Auckland, New Zealand 3. Catalogue of naturalised species. New Zealand Journal of Botany 25: 539-558.

Florabase (2008) Florabase: Flora of Western Australia. Western Australian Herbarium. http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/7105 (12/11/2008).

HVDMO (2008) Herbariovirtual del Mediterraneo Occidental. Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears. http://herbarivirtual.uib.es/eng-med/especie/5316.html (13/11/2008).

Illinoiswildflowers (2008) Verbascum blattaria. http:// www.Illinoiswildflower.info/weeds/plants/moth_mullein.htm (7/11/2008).

Landcare notes (2007). Landcare Notes: Great Mullein. Department of Primary Industries. September 2007. LC0214.

MWP (2008). Malta Wild Plants – Verbascum creticum. http://www.maltawildplants.com/SCRO/Verbascum_creticum.php (14/11/2008).

Oardc (2008) Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide. http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=760 (7/11/2008).

PFAF (2008) Plants for a future: Database search results: Verbascum blattaria. http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?verbascum+blattaria (7/11/2008).

PLSU (2008) Plant Supplies: Celsia Cretica. (18/11/2008).

Spencer, R. (2002) Horticultural Flora of South- Eastern Australia. Flowering plants: dicotyledons. Part 3. UNSW press.

TNC (2008) UC Davis – The Nature Conservancy - TNC invasives. http://tncinvasives.ucdavis.edu/global/australia/san.html (18/11/2008).

Telewski, F. W & Zeevaart, J. A. D. (2002). The 120 year period for Dr Beal’s seed viability experiment. American Journal of Botany. 89:1285-1288.

Ukflymines (2008) The leaf and stem mines of British Flies and other insects. http://ukflymines.co.uk?Keys/VERBASCUM.html (12/11/2008).

Utas (2008). Key to Tasmanian seed plants - University of Tasmania. www.utas.edu.au (13/11/2008).

Webb, C.J.; Sykes, W.R.; Garnock-Jones, P.J.(1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume IV : Naturalised Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Dicotyledons. Botany Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research NZ. Wweeds (2008). Western Weeds, Plant Protection Society of Western Australia.

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2008) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at
http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 13/11/2008).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 13/11/2008).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2008) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (viewed 13/11/2008).

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