Latin Name: Dipsacus fullonum

 Origin:  Eurasia

Physical Description: Biennial herb from a taproot. Stems are erect, ridged, and prickly and grow up to 2m tall. Stems leaves are alternates and fused at the based. The flower heads are located at the end of the stem, egg-shaped and have large bracts below the flower.

Habitat: Prefers moist habitats and can be found in meadows, pastures, waste places, forests and along ditches, roads and waterways and roadsides.

Impacts:  Unpalatable to livestock and reduces forage availability. In dense colonies, it can impede access to recreational areas.

Reproduction:  Seed only. A single plant can produce more that 2,000 seeds and seeds can remain viable for at least 2 years.

Mechanical: Pulling and digging before going to seed is effective however must be carried out for 4 to 6 years to deplete the seed bank. Mowing is not effective as the root grown will re-sprout.

 Chemical: Several herbicides with the following active ingredients can control Teasel: 2, 4-D, aminopyralid, chlopyralid, clopyralid + 2,4-D, dicamba, picloram, glyphosate, and metsulfuron. For available products, contact your local agri-supply store. Prior to any herbicide application, read and follow the label instructions.

Biological: Not Available.

Additional Resources:

King County’s Teasel Factsheet