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Common Names
Teasel, Fuller's Teasel, Wild Teasel, Card Thistle
Botanical Name
Dipsacus fullonum (synonym Dipsacus sylvestris)
Plant Family
Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
Native Range
Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Life Cycle
Biennial
Hardiness Zone
4-10
Habit
Very striking and ornamental plant with torch-like purple-lavender flowers atop 6ft - 8ft tall stalks. Low growing basal leaves in first year, with blooms in second year.
Sun/Soil
Full sun to part shade. Prefers moist well-drained soil but not fussy.
Germination/Sowing
Seeds germinate easily and can be direct sown in fall or spring, or started in flats in the spring and then transplanted out.
Growing/Care
Remove flower heads after blooming to prevent self-seeding.
Harvesting
The root can be harvested in the fall of the first year or early spring of second year.
The fresh flowers, and also the dried seed heads, are used in flower arrangements.
Culinary Uses
None known.
Medicinal Uses
The root is hepatic, diuretic, and diaphoretic. Also a sought after medicine for treating Lyme's Disease.
Themes
Apothecary Garden, Low Maintenance, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers.