Dipsacus fullonum L.
Common Teasel
Wild teasel is a striking native biennial that forms a flat rosette of leaves in its first year and sends up a tall, ridged and prickly flowering stem in its second. The stem is topped with distinctive egg-shaped, spiny heads, around which a band of small lilac flowers opens in a ring that travels up and down the cone over several weeks in summer.
About
Wild teasel is a striking native biennial that forms a flat rosette of leaves in its first year and sends up a tall, ridged and prickly flowering stem in its second. The stem is topped with distinctive egg-shaped, spiny heads, around which a band of small lilac flowers opens in a ring that travels up and down the cone over several weeks in summer. Pairs of leaves clasp the stem to form little cups that catch rainwater.
It favours open, often damp ground such as rough grassland, ditches, riverbanks, road verges and disturbed or waste places, on heavier soils in full sun. The flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, while the seed heads stand through winter and become a favourite food of goldfinches. Its bold architectural form and wildlife value make it a popular component of wildflower mixes and naturalistic planting, though it self-seeds freely and is best given room.
Also known as
Draper's teasel · Fuller's Teasel · Teasel · Venuscup Teasle · Wild Teasel
Synonyms
Dipsacus arcimusci · Dipsacus botterii · Dipsacus carminatorius · Dipsacus connatofolius · Dipsacus divaricatus · Dipsacus fullonum comosus · Dipsacus fullonum divaricatus · Dipsacus fullonum sylvestris · Dipsacus fullonum ternatus
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.