Teasel

Teasel

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Teasel

Dipsacus fullonum

Wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is a strikingly architectural biennial wildflower that develops into an impressively statuesque tall plant within just two growing seasons, before completing its life cycle.

     

Contents: Approximately 250 seeds  

Average height: up to 180cm
Aspect: dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Soil type: most soil types
Sowing period: April-May
Flowering period: May-July

In its first year, teasel grows from seed for form a rosette of foliage, then produces flowering stems in the second year, which grow up to 2m tall. The distinctive conical prickly flower heads are covered in tiny purple blooms in midsummer, borne on the ends of tall, open, branching stems that are also clothed with prickles. Despite this prickliness, teasel is not related to thistle.

The name teasel comes from its one-time use in cloth production. A cultivated sub-species of teasel, Dipsacus sativus has bristle tips shaped like tiny hooks which were used to ‘tease’ out the nap of cloth. Teasel plant was once widely grown for this purpose before being superseded by steel machinery.

After flowering, teasel heads turn brown and dry to retain their structure through winter. They look beautiful when silvered with frost or strung with spider webs on misty mornings. Teasel plant is immensely popular with wildlife: the flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other insects, then masses of tiny seeds are beloved by seed-eating birds, especially goldfinches. The leaves and plant structure are designed to funnel and hold rainwater for up to several days and provide a useful micro-supply of water for wildlife. Teasel is popular for dried flower arrangements

Our packaging is made from FSC recycled cardboard and environmentally friendly inks. The seed bags are waxed paper or compostable starch to keep seeds in the best condition during storage. Seed packs are supplied ready-mixed with organic husks for ease of distribution.


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