Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum

Physical Characteristics

  • Dipsacus fullonum is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft).
  • It is hardy to zone (UK) 5.
  • It is in flower from January to February and the seeds ripen from February to March
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, self.
  • The plant is self-fertile.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.


Soils: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
    
Habitats         
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses                                           
None known
 
Medicinal Uses

Cancer;  Diaphoretic;  Diuretic;  Homeopathy;  Skin;  Stomachic;  Warts.

Teasel is little used in modern herbalism, and its therapeutic effects are disputed[254]. Traditionally it has been used to treat conditions such as warts, fistulae (abnormal passages opening through the skin) and cancerous sores[254]. The root is diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic[7]. An infusion is said to strengthen the stomach, create an appetite, remove obstructions of the liver and treat jaundice[4, 254]. The root is harvested in early autumn and dried for later use[7]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash to treat acne[257]. 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[4, 218]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the flowering plant[7]. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases[7].


Other Uses
A blue dye obtained from the dried plant is an indigo substitute[74]. It is water soluble[74]. A yellow is obtained when the plant is mixed with alum[148].
Cultivation details                                           
Succeeds in most soils[1] but prefers clay[17]. Prefers a deep rich soil[169]. Requires a sunny position[169]. A good butterfly plant[24]. This is the true wild species of teasel, its bracts are too flexible to be used for combing cloth[17]. The flowering heads are much prized by flower arrangers because they keep their colour almost indefinitely when dried[7].
                                                                                   
Propagation                                           
Seed - best sown in early spring in situ


Teasel

Teasel

Common name   Teasel, Fuller's teasel
Botanical name   Dipsacus fullonum
Family   Dipsacaceae
Diameter   1.00
Height (m)   1.8
Carbon Equivalent   1.00
Shade / Sun   Full sun - part shade
Soil type   Most
Wind tolerance   Moderate

 Related

Teasel Seeds

Teasel Seeds

Botanical name   Dipsacus fullonum
Details   Fast growing tall short lived perennial flowering plant that needs no care or attention. The distinctive seed heads are popular in floral arrangements. Values include: wind break, shade plant, water holding plant, soil improvement / stabilisation, biomass production, insect habitat, food source for birds, ornamental
Drought tolerance  
Perennial  
Tags     annual 
Price   $3.90  20 seeds
Watch Learn More Only 7 in stock   Order