# What is this huge "Audrey II” plant. And should I nuke it from orbit?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-huge-audrey-ii-plant-and-should-i-nuke-it-from-orbit/836480>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 3, 2019, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-huge-audrey-ii-plant-and-should-i-nuke-it-from-orbit/836480 "2019-07-03T22:52:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2019, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-huge-audrey-ii-plant-and-should-i-nuke-it-from-orbit/836480/1 "2019-07-03T22:52:39Z")

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We just arrived at our place in Williams, AZ, and found an astonishing variety of weeds growing. There must be 25-50 different varieties, including [this monster](https://cl.ly/d6afce284637).  
What the hell is it, and should I be very afraid?

(I haven’t tried pricking my finger yet, but I did see lunge at the dog when he went to pee on it).

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**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2019, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-huge-audrey-ii-plant-and-should-i-nuke-it-from-orbit/836480/2 "2019-07-03T23:11:21Z")

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[Verbascum thapsus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbascum_thapsus), the great mullein, common mullein, or flannel mullein?

CMC fnord!

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**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2019, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-huge-audrey-ii-plant-and-should-i-nuke-it-from-orbit/836480/3 "2019-07-03T23:27:35Z")

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I think **crowmanyclouds** [has it right](https://wnmu.edu/academic/nspages/gilaflora/verbascum_thapsus.jpg).

V. thapsus does grow in Arizona, and is considered an “invasive weed” according to at least one source.

All doubt should be removed as to whether it’s a mullein when/if there’s a tall spike of yellow flowers.