fuller's teasel
Dipsacus sativus
The dried flower heads were historically used in textile manufacturing to 'tease' or raise the nap on woolen cloth because their hooks are stronger and more flexible than metal wires.
- Scientific name
- Dipsacus sativus
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Dipsacales › Caprifoliaceae › Dipsacus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Disturbed soils, roadsides, pastures, and open fields with full sun.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, North America (Naturalized)
- Size
- 1 to 2.5 meters in height
- Lifespan
- 2 years (Biennial)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Herbicides and land development, though it is often considered a hardy weed in many regions.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless but physically defensive. The stems and seed heads are covered in sharp, recurved prickles that can easily puncture skin or snag clothing. Wear thick gloves if handling and keep a safe distance to avoid scratches. If scratched, wash the area with soap and water.
Photo: Alan Rockefeller, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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