Dipsacus

Teasel is a plant in the genus Dipsacus. There are about 15 different species of teasel. These flowering plants are tall and leafy (herbaceous). They are biennial plants and are native to (come from) Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. They can grow to be  tall.

These plants have a prickly stem and leaves. Its flowers are purple, dark pink, or lavender and grow directly on the end of the stem. After flowering, the head of the plant dries out and holds small seeds. These seeds are important food in the winter for birds, especially the European Goldfinch. Teasels are grown in gardens and nature reserves to attract these goldfinches.

In the United States, teasel is an invasive species. It is not native to the continent and takes over the land of native plant species.

 Species 
Some of the most common species of teasel are:
Dipsacus ferox - Spiny Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum - Wild Teasel, Common Teasel, Fuller's Teasel
Dipsacus japonica - Japanese Teasel, Chinese Teasel
Dipsacus laciniatus - Cut-leaved Teasel
Dipsacus pilosus - Small Teasel
Dipsacus sativus - Fuller's Teasel (cultivated form)
Dipsacus strigosus - Slim Teasel

References

Category:Dipsacales
Category:Invasive plant species