Verbascum virgatum Stokes
Family: Scrophulariaceae

Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)

none

Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)

wand mullein, purplestamen mullein

Primary Disseminule Type

seed

Description (diagnostics are in brown)

Fruit a glandular-puberulent, ± globular capsule (6)7–8(10) mm long and containing many seeds.

Seed oblong to trapezoidal or rectangular in outline, widest at the truncate apex and gradually tapered to a broad but usually slightly rounded base, cross-section terete, 0.6–1 mm long x 0.4–0.6 mm diameter. Surface brown with darker reticulations on top of wavy longitudinal grooves and ribs.

Hilum a slightly raised dark scar or obscured by small funicular remnant.

Similar Species

It is probably not possible to distinguish this species from Verbascum thapsus based on seed alone.

Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)

AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI