PlantFiles: Common Teasel, Fuller's Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum

Two summers ago I was introduced to the Fuller's Teasel (Dipsacus sativus) by a customer at my booth at a local Farmer's Market in Roswell, GA. She gave me a shoebox full of the seedheads. I have made them into "Teasel Creatures" or small collectible animals. They take at least two seasons to grow in our part of the state. I have several small plants that I am nursing along hoping to eventually transplant them into my garden when they get large enough.
Fortunately, I have an unending supply of seed heads and seeds through my in-laws who live in New York state. The history of the plant is interesting and the children and adults who collect my "Teasel Creatures" appear to enjoy them.
Rebecca Pinckney
Atlanta, GA
Zone 7b

I'm debating on whether to have a plant or two of this. The rich history surrounding it is tempting, but in these parts, it can get quite invasive and I don't like stickers.

It is quite thick along the roadways and unkept fence rows and that may be the best place for it. I've just always enjoyed seeing it, and keep thinking there has to be a place for it in my garden.

Self seeds readily, but easily controlled in small areas by uprooting seedlings. Try tying a small plastic bag over heads to contain and collect seeds. Young and flowering plants are attractive (light to olive green dimpled foliage & lilac flowers that attract bees and butterflies) and the dried seed heads are sought by flower arrangers.

I have seen tease along the road side and would love to have some seed

I searched for several years for a source for this plant. One small plant was all I purchased and now it grows everywhere! It does attract many insects who I am sure find it beneficial and I even find it to be an attractive plant, thorns, spikes and all. However, I think that every single seed germinates and thrives and now I am to the point where I am cutting off all flower heads before they go to seed. You have to wear heavy gloves when handling this plant because the whole plant is covered with sharp thorns, the flower head is sharp and is encircled with long claw-like projections. I find it to be extremely invasive!

Teasels grow in very dry parts of our pasture where it is not possible to irrigate. Our precipitation averages less than 9 inches per year. The plant makes a rosette of elongated wrinkly leaves close to the ground then sends up a seed stalk and makes the seed head that blooms in rings. Some seed heads are quite rounded, others are elongated. This is a very interesting plant but can be invasive.

A striking plant, with large, spiny heads that bear rings of rosy-purple flowers. Bases of the stem-leaves are joined and fill with water, often drowning small insects. It has been speculated that the Teasel could benefit from these animals and might be carnivorous, although tropical plants use similar water-traps to protect flowers from insect attack. Spiny heads of teasel have long been used to raise the nap on fabric.

Fuller's Teasel is a European introduction that has naturalized in many parts of the U.S. It was originally grown for the dried seed heads, which were used to comb wool; some species are still used for their medicinal properties. Not often cultivated, it can make beautiful dried flower arrangements as well as providing winter interest in the landscape.