Biennial of the Scrophulariaceae family, this mullein is native to Turkey, where it grows on rocky slopes, screes, and dry, stony grounds, in full sun. Its name, which literally means "silk bearer," heralds what is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular foliage of the genus.
The first year, the plant forms a very large basal rosette, reaching 60 to 80 cm in diameter, composed of large oval leaves entirely covered with a dense, silky, white-silver tomentum, remarkably thick and soft to the touch. This woolly covering indiscriminately covers both sides of the leaves, the stems, and the flower buds, giving the plant an almost unreal appearance, sculpted in white velvet.
The second year, it raises one or more robust stems that can exceed 150 cm, bearing numerous bright yellow flowers with orange stamens, which open gradually along the spikes always enveloped in white wool. The contrast between the intense yellow of the corollas and the silvery white of the spikes is striking. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August; in cultivation, it generally occurs in July.
It requires very well-drained soil, poor to moderately fertile, in full sun. It self-seeds spontaneously and behaves as a faithful biennial in conditions that suit it.