Dipsacus fullonum 'Wild Teasel'

[Ex. Norfolk, England]

Teasel is a robust, tall biennial which can grow to 6 feet 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. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to North Africa and Western Asia.

USES:

Teasel flowers are popular sources of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects. Teasel fruits prolifically, its persistent seed heads attract goldfinches.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in spring. They germinate very readily, being biennial the plants only live a few years and will fade away if they are denied a chance to seed. They are best planted in a corner where they can be contained. Cut back and remove plants which may cause trouble before the seed matures.

HARVESTED: 

 

APPROX. 200+ SEEDS