Wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Wild teasel on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Wild teasel
Dipsacus fullonum, commonly known as wild teasel, is a robust biennial plant renowned for its distinctive spiny flower heads. These conical structures, which persist long after the flowers have died, make it ideal for wildlife gardens, dried flower arrangements, and as a sculptural focal point in naturalized landscapes or borders. Its leaf-cups on the stem can collect water, attracting birds and insects.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, though it is quite tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, including poor soils. Watering is only necessary during prolonged dry spells, as it is very drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is primarily by seed; allow seeds to drop for self-seeding or collect them to control spread. A common mistake is attempting to move mature plants, as they have a deep taproot and generally do not transplant well.
How to save a dying Wild teasel
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing, or spotted leaves, soft stems. Indicates over/under-watering or poor soil.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, remove excess. If dry, water deeply. Add compost if soil is poor.
- What kills it
- Prolonged waterlogging rots roots. Also, lack of water during dry spells or very compacted soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted. Act quickly to correct watering and improve soil.