Fuller's Teasel, Indian teasel
Dipsacus sativus

Family: Dipsacaceae

What it is like

Dipsacus sativus is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Not known in a truly wild condition.

Of uncertain origin. An occasional escape from cultivation in Britain.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

England, Bulgaria, former Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, former Yugoslavia, Portugal, Romania, Crimea, Caucasus / Transcaucasus, C-Asia, Australia (South Australia, Zhejiang, Mexico, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Juan Fdz. Isl., Argentina, USA (California, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic. An infusion is said to strengthen the stomach, create an appetite, remove obstructions of the liver and treat jaundice. The root is harvested in early autumn and dried for later use. The plant has a folk history of use in the treatment of cancer, an ointment made from the roots is used to treat warts, wens and whitlows. A homeopathic remedy is made from the flowering plant. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases.

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Warts: Used in the treatment of warts, corns etc.

Other

Rating: 2

The dried flower heads are used for carding wool and as a clothes brush for raising the nap on woollen cloth. They are harvested with about 20cm of stem as soon as the flowers wither and are dried for later use. A blue dye is obtained from the dried plant, an indigo substitute. It is water soluble. The colour is yellow when mixed with alum.

Brush: Used for cleaning clothes, as a paintbrush etc.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils but prefers clay. Prefers a deep rich soil. Requires a sunny position. A good butterfly plant. Fuller's teasel is occasionally cultivated for its seed head, which is used for carding cloth. The flowering heads are also much prized by flower arrangers because they keep their colour almost indefinitely when dried.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in early spring in situ. The seed can also be sown from February to May or from August to October. All but the earlier sowings can be made outdoors.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial/Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

This plant can be weedy or invasive. Noxious Weed Information: Iowa, US (teasel): Secondary noxious weed.

Its other names

Local names

Indian teasel

Synonyms

D. fullonum sativus.