Fall Perch

A large dragonfly, at right, perches on a large common mullein plant almost 10 feet tall. A common plant in disturbed soils, the mullein grows taller throughout the summer, producing flowers at the tip. Above, a bumblebee visits the freshest blooms at the top of the plant, the pollen baskets along its legs full of orange pollen.

 Mark Gibson

A large dragonfly, at right, perches on a large common mullein plant almost 10 feet tall. A common plant in disturbed soils, the mullein grows taller throughout the summer, producing flowers at the tip. Above, a bumblebee visits the freshest blooms at the top of the plant, the pollen baskets along its legs full of orange pollen. Mark B. Gibson photos