Common Teasel

Dipsacus fullonum

Weed Description
An erect biennial with small prickles on the stem and distinctive spiny flower heads. Common teasel may reach 6 1/2 feet in height and is primarily a weed of roadsides, pastures, hayfields, and occasionally rosettes can be found in turfgrass. This weed is found throughout the United States except in the northern great plains.

Stems
Flowering stems are produced during the second year of growth and are erect and branching near the upper portions of the plant. Stems are angled and also have many small prickles that are turned downward on them.

Flowers
Flowers are egg-shaped in outline but cut off squarely at the base. Flowers are approximately 1 1/4 to 4 inches long and consist of many individual white to lilac flowers that bloom in a circular pattern around the seedhead. Individual flowers are from 10 to 15 mm long and occur on flower stalks (peduncles). Several long, leaf-like bracts also branch out from the base of the flower and curve upward around the head.

Fruit
An achene that is angled and approximately 2 to 3 mm long.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Common Teasel

Dipsacus fullonum