Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Dipsacus fullonum

Image of Dipsacus fullonum

Jesse Saylor

Family

Dipsacaceae

Botanical Name

Dipsacus fullonum

Plant Common Name

Fuller's Teasel

General Description

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.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Plant Type

    Biennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    5'-7' / 1.5m - 2.1m

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    Europe, Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Very Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    Yes

  • Attracts

    Birds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes