Teasel

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Teasel (Dipsacus) is a genus of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. Members of this genus are known as teasels or teazels. The genus includes about 15 species of tall herbaceous biennial plants (rarely short-lived perennial plants) growing to 1–2.5 metres (3.3–8.2 ft) tall.

Description[edit | edit source]

Teasels are characterized by their prickly stem and leaves, and their inflorescence of purple, dark pink or lavender flowers that form a head on the ends of the stem(s). The flowers are produced in a large, globular, often spiny head or inflorescence. The seeds are dispersed by birds that feed on the mature flower heads.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

Teasels are native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. The two species commonly grown in gardens, Dipsacus fullonum and Dipsacus sativus, have been widely introduced to North America, Australia and New Zealand where they are considered an invasive weed.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Historically, the dried heads of Dipsacus fullonum were used in the process of fulling cloth, to raise the nap and create a softer surface. Today, teasels are occasionally grown as ornamental plants, and the dried heads are used in floristry.

Ecology[edit | edit source]

Teasels are known to attract a wide variety of insects, including bees and butterflies, for their nectar. They are also a favorite food source for some birds, including the European Goldfinch.

Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Teasels are easily grown from seed, and will grow in a wide range of conditions, though they prefer a sunny position in well-drained soil. They are hardy to USDA zone 4.

See also[edit | edit source]

Template:Flora-stub

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD