Common Teasel
(Dipsacus fullonum L.)

Photo from Weeds of the West, revised ed.

Growth Habit: Biennial which grows to 6 feet in height.

Leaves: Leaves are conspicuously veined, with stiff prickles on the lower midrib. Stem leaves are lanceolate and are up to 10 inches in length.

Stem: The stem is striate-angled with several rows of downward turned prickles.

Flower: Flowers are purple, borne in dense heads, each flower subtended by spine-like bractlets.

Roots: Taproot

Seeds: Fruits are 4-angled, each with a single seed.

Reproduction: By Seed.

Habitat: Most common in moist sites along irrigation ditches, canals, and disturbed areas.

Biological Controls:

Herbicides: Glyphosate, 2,4 - D amine