Teasel Family
Dipsacaceae
Species on this page
- Dipsacus fullonum – Wild Teasel
- Scabiosa columbaria – Small Scabious
Dipsacus fullonum
Wild Teasel
Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is a hardy plant with a long history of practical and medicinal use. Its dried seed heads were traditionally used in textile manufacturing to card or raise the nap on woollen fabrics – a process known as "teasing" that gave the plant its name. Medicinally, the root is used in herbalism to treat joint pain, strengthen bones, and support the treatment of Lyme disease. The tall spiky heads are also a favourite of goldfinches in autumn.
This specimen was grown in the garden,
but teasels are frequent along sites close to the River Adur.
They are an excellent source of nectar, mostly visited by
bumblebees.
Dipsacus
fullonum – Wild Teasel 
Dipsacus fullonum – Tap to
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Dipsacus fullonum – Tap to
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Dipsacus fullonum – Flower detail
Scabiosa columbaria
Small Scabious
Scabiosa columbaria – Lancing
Ring