Dipsacaceae
Dipsacus fullonum
Fuller's Teasel
A Eurasian native whose seedheads were once used to tease wool and nap leather, this well-armed biennial or short-lived perennial is now an invasive nuisance in parts of the United States and other countries. From an overwintering rosette of toothed oval leaves it produces a tall branching prickly stem lined with paired opposite spiny leaves that fuse at the base. The stem branches terminate in large bristly thimble-shaped flowerheads with long spiny basal bracts. Small tubular purple flowers open in rings around each flowerhead from mid- to late summer, starting at the head's midriff and progressing toward its ends. Light brown, single-seeded fruits follow the flowers. The stems and cone-like seed heads often persist for months after bloom. Plants die after flowering, self-sowing to form more taprooted rosettes.
Common teasel is a weed of damp roadsides, pastures, and fields, sometimes forming large colonies. Its seedheads work well in arrangements. Use it in naturalistic plantings or utilitarian gardens within its native range.
8 - 5
5 - 8
Biennial
Full Sun
5'-7' / 1.5m - 2.1m
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
Summer, Late Summer
Europe, Asia
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Clay, Loam
Very Fast
Average Water
Upright/Erect
Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Purple
Brown
Green
No
Single
Yes
Coarse
Glossy
Wildflower
Birds, Butterflies