Weed ID

COMMON TEASEL

Dipsacaceae or Teasel Family
Dipsacus fullonum

GROWTH HABIT: Biennial, grows up to 6 feet tall.

LEAVES: Shiny green rosette leaves have scalloped edges, scattered stout hairs on the upper surface, and are attached to the stem by way of a leaf stalk. Bases of stem leaves are fused around the stem forming a cup in which rainwater collects.

STEMS: Branched above. Striate-angles with several rows of downward turned prickles.

FLOWERS: Cone-shaped, purple, borne in dense spiny heads reaching lengths of over 2 inches. Purple flowers are protected by spine-like bractlets.

ROOTS: Thick taproot and fibrous secondary roots.

SEEDS: Produces 3,300 seeds per plant. Fruits are light brown and enclosed in each fruit is a single seed.

REPRODUCES: By seed.

HABITAT: Moist sites, especially along irrigation ditches, canals, and disturbed sites.