Teasel
Common Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum
Identification
· Roots: fleshy taproot can be up to 2 feet deep.
· Leaves: Basal rosette with wavy-edged, oblong prickly leaves, stem leaves are fused at the base, opposite, prickly, spear shaped, and 2-12 inches long.
· Stems: Stems are pithy and hollow, can grow 2-6 feet tall, and prickly
· Flowers: Flower head is 1-4 inches long, egg shaped and engulfed by spiny bracts that curve upward and are unequal in length. Small lavender to white flowers occurs in two rings around the head.
· Seeds/Fruits: Produces cylindrical, singular seeds, each plant can produce between 850–34,000 seeds per plant.
Life Cycle
Biennial or short-lived perennial
Chemical Control
Several herbicides, including 2,4-D, aminocyclpyrachlor, chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron, imazapic, and aminopyralid, are listed as providing control throughout the plant when applied during the rosette stage.
