Description
Common name: Dipsacus fullonum. Teasel. Leadán Úcaire.
General:
This population originates from Co Down. Irish Grid reference: J593490.
Hardy biennial. Flowering in second year in July, seeds in September. Up to 2.5m in height. Teasel leaves a tall architectural feature all winter. Also known as Fuller’s teasel.
Benefits:
Tall purple spiky stem producing several branches topped with multi-flowered heads grows from a rosette of deep green spiky leaves. Nectar loved by bumbles and the seeds a firm favourite of goldfinches.
Habitat:
A biennial it can withstand less nutrition over too much competition and you’ll see it spring up in waste/disturbed ground, like mullein.
Sowing guidelines:
Happy in seed trays in autumn or very early spring, under cover, germination from a few week to several months, can be erratic.
Cultural history:
Named teasel because it was used to tease out wool – to clean and separate out tats, making strands ready for spinning. Old seed heads are beautiful in the Christmas table centre piece and dried flower arrangements.
Avg contents: 60 seeds.
