- Lifespan
- 2 years (biennial); occasionally persists longer in ideal conditions
- Size & Weight
- 60–150 cm tall; individual flowers 4–5 cm long
- Habitat
- Woodland edges, hedgerows, rocky slopes, and disturbed ground; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils in partial shade or full sun.
- UK Distribution
- Found throughout the UK, particularly common in western regions including Wales, the Lake District, and south-west England; naturalized in many areas.
- Diet
- Not applicable; photosynthetic plant that derives nutrients from soil and sunlight.
- Predators
- Deer browse the foliage; some caterpillar species feed on leaves; slugs and insects may damage seedlings.
- Mating Season
- Flowers June to September in its second year of growth.
- Breeding
- Produces tall spikes of tubular flowers; a single plant can produce 100,000+ seeds dispersed by wind in autumn.
- Behaviour
- Biennial lifecycle: first year produces a rosette of leaves, second year produces flowering spike. Flowers are pollinated primarily by bumblebees and other insects attracted to nectar guides (spotted patterns) on the lower petals.