Wild teasel

Dipsacus fullonum

Up to 2 m tall. A hairless biennial whose stout stems are armed with sharp prickles. Produces rosettes of elliptical or oblong, spine-covered leaves in the first year. In the second year, tall branching stems are produced with narrower stem leaves. Flowers are purple and borne in spiny conical heads; the heads persist in seed.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Favours grassland on damp, disturbed soils.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

Flowers July-August

What is its current UK distribution?

Widespread in western, southern and central Europe.

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