Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows for 2 years. The first year there is a ring of leaves. In the second year it grows 2.5 m tall. The leaves are shiny green and have scalloped edges. Leaves on the stems are smaller. Flower stems are erect. The flower head has flowers that develop in the centre then these grow wider. The central flowers die quickly. The flowers are lilac.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in damp, fertile soil in sunny locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Europe, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, North America, Slovenia, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled with mixtures of leaves. The spiny hairs need to be avoided. The roots are used to make a tea drink.

Edible parts

Leaves, root - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bruschie, Card teasel, Cicoriune, Divja ščetica

Synonyms

Dipsacus arcimusci Lojac.; and several others