Mullen After Snow

The mullen plant is a biennial wildflower that produces only leaves the first year it grows, then flowers the second year. After that the plant dies, but ample seeds are produced that frequently a new plant grows in it's place. The mullen is a member of the snapdragon family. Although this plant is now common in the United States, it is not native here. It was an introduced weed from Europe and Asia. Many believe that it was introduced during colonial times as a medicinal herb. Some believe that it cures a number of ailments, especially those associated with congestion and coughs. Sap from it's leaves have been used to take away the pain of insect bites. And it's leaves have been used as wrappers to store food and prevent spoilage.

The flowers on the mullen plant in this photo have mostly gone to seed, except for one or two that have survived winter's cold and snow to still peek their bright faces up towards the sunshine. I'm sure there's a lesson somewhere in their example.