Scientific name: Dipsacus fullonum

This plant is a widespread weed throughout North America, and is originally from Europe. Since it prefers wet soil, it is not a problem in dryland crops. However, it is known to crowd out native plants along streams and in moist places in the Blues. The plants are easy to recognize from a distance, but not much fun to walk through with their scratchy spines and prickles.

Teasel grows up to 6 feet tall from an erect single stem which usually has a few erect branches. The leaves are fairly large, up to 10 inches long, with stiff prickles on the midribs. The stems are ribbed, with rows of stiff prickles on the ribs. The tip of each stem and branch has somewhat egg-shaped spiny head about 3 or 4 inches long that is surrounded by several upward-curving spiny bracts attached at the base of the head.

Teasel flowers are tiny and pink, and stuck in between the spines of the head. They don’t all bloom at once, forming rings around the heads. Butterflies often visit the flowers seeking nectar.

Dried teasel heads have been used for centuries to card wool and to raise the nap on woollen cloth, even well into the 20th century. The process is known as “fullering,” which is where the scientific name comes from. In England, water that had collected in the base of the leaves was used to bathe sore eyes and was believed to remove warts.

Where to find: The flowers bloom from July to September, depending on elevation and temperature. Look for them in ditches and other low or wet spots.