Teasel

genus of plants

Teasel is a plant in the genus Dipsacus. There are about 15 different species of teasel. These flowering plants are tall and leafy (herbaceous). They are biennial plants and are native to (come from) Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. They can grow to be 1 to 2.5 metres (3.3 to 8.2 ft) tall.

Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum
Scientific classification
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Genus:
Dipsacus

Species

See text.

These plants have a prickly stem and leaves. Its flowers are purple, dark pink, or lavender and grow directly on the end of the stem. After flowering, the head of the plant dries out and holds small seeds. These seeds are important food in the winter for birds, especially the European Goldfinch. Teasels are grown in gardens and nature reserves to attract these goldfinches.

In the United States, teasel is an invasive species. It is not native to the continent and takes over the land of native plant species.[1][2][3]

Species change

Some of the most common species of teasel are:

References change

  1. "Invasive Species: Plantes - Common Teasel (Dispacus fullonum)". United States Department of Agriculture. February 16, 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  2. "Invasive Species - Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum subsp. sylvestris)". Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. September 3, 2004. Archived from the original on 2011-11-12. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  3. "Cut-leaved and Common Teasel". Missouri Department of Conservation. Archived from the original on 2011-07-12. Retrieved 2011-07-08.