Dipsacus fullonum, commonly known as wild teasel, is a biennial herb native to grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas in Eurasia and North Africa. It has been introduced to the Americas, southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Wild teasel typically grows 3-8 feet tall and features prickly stems and leaves. The cylindrical lavender flower heads bloom from July to August and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The flower heads have been historically used in textile manufacturing for fulling cloth.

Wild teasel is valued for its architectural form and is sometimes used in dried flower arrangements. It is not commonly cultivated in gardens due to its invasive nature but can be found in naturalistic plantings and wildlife gardens. It prefers full sun to part shade and can grow in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it can tolerate drought, moderate water will support more robust growth. Caution is advised when planting wild teasel, as it can become invasive outside its native range, outcompeting native vegetation and altering ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0