Dipsacus fullonum, Teasel

Common Name: Teasel

Dipsacus fullonum, more commonly known as Teasel, is a robust, tall biennial which can grow to 1.8m or more. All parts of the plant have spines - leaves, stalks and egg shaped flower heads. The plant and seed heads persist into winter, providing a bit of structural interest in a wildlife area when other plants have died back.

Teasels are common in rough grassland, wood margins, thickets and hedgerows, also on roadsides and waste ground over a very wide range of soil types. The pinkish purple or white flowers in mid- to late summer are popular sources of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects. Teasel fruits prolifically, its persistent seed heads attracting seed-feeding birds, particularly goldfinches.

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