Also known as Barber's-Brush · Common Teasel · Common Teazle
Wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is a biennial herbaceous plant known for its prickly stems, toothed leaves, and distinctive thistle-like flower heads that dry into attrac
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Low
25% intensity
Rarely needs fertilization. A light balanced feed in spring if soil is poor.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
The plant is covered in sharp spines which can cause skin irritation upon contact. Ingestion is not typically considered systemically toxic but is not recommended.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Wild teasel prefers moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage, as it is susceptible to root rot.
Water deeply when established, especially during dry spells, but avoid over-saturating the soil. Less water is needed in cooler months.
Pruning is typically minimal for wild teasel. Deadheading spent flower stalks after flowering can prevent self-seeding if desired, or allow the decorative seed heads to remain for winter interest and wildlife.
Remove any diseased or damaged foliage as needed during the growing season.
Wild teasel can be propagated by seed sown directly outdoors in autumn or early spring. Seeds require a period of cold stratification. It can also be propagated by root cuttings taken in early spring.
Division of established clumps is also possible, though less common.
Repotting is generally not applicable to wild teasel as it is typically grown as a perennial or biennial in the ground. If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot into a larger container in early spring before active growth begins, using well-draining soil.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Dipsacus |
| Species | Dipsacus fullonum |
Similar in genus Dipsacus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
