Fauna
Plant

Wild Teasel

Dipsacus fullonum

Also known as Common Teasel, Fuller's Teasel, Venus' Cup, Indian Teasel

Wild teasel is a striking biennial herb known for its spiky, cone-shaped flower heads surrounded by long, curved bracts. In their second year, plants bolt to produce towering stalks lined with cup-like leaf bases that trap rainwater and drown small crawling insects. The persistent dried seed heads remain standing throughout winter, serving as a critical cold-weather food source for goldfinches.

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Wild Teasel reference1 / 7
(c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
  • European Goldfinch
  • Mule Deer
  • Teasel Seed Fly
ThreatsHabitat destruction in native range; weed control in introduced regions
HabitatsRoadsides, meadows, pastures, and disturbed soil
Life span2 years
Classification
  1. OrderDipsacales
  2. FamilyCaprifoliaceae
  3. GenusDipsacus
  4. SpeciesDipsacus fullonum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance, though dried spines can scratch skin.
Responsible observation
  • Winter Birding: Leave dried stalks standing through winter to support foraging songbirds.
  • Handling Caution: Wear thick leather gloves when clearing dead stems to prevent deep scratches.
  • Bloom Observation: Look closely in midsummer to watch small lavender blooms emerge in distinct bands.
Related species
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