Fuller's Teasel (Dispacus fullonum)
Kingdom: Plantae [22]
Divison: Angiosperms [22]
Class: Eudicots [22]
Subclass: Asterids [22]
Order: Dispacales [22]
Family: Dispacaceae [22]
Genus: Dipsacus [22]
Species: D. fullonum [22]
Fuller's Teasel, also known as Dipsacus fullonum, is a species of flowering plant that is unique in having prickly flower heads [22]. In this teasel, opposite leaves join at the base to form a rainwater-holding trough around the stem and the tall-domed heads of four-lobed flowers sit on a circle of spiny, narrow leaf-like structure [22]. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, but it is also commonly known in the Americas, southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand as an introduced species [3]. In fact, they are often considered a noxious weed.
Dipsacus fullonum is a biennial/perennial meaning that it blooms in its second year and then dies [3]. It usually grows to 1.8m or 6ft [22]. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October [3]. The flowers are hermaphrodite meaning they have both male and female organs [3]. The plant is self-fertile and is sometimes pollinated by bees [3]. The plant can grow in any light, medium and heavy (sandy, loamy, clay) soils. Fuller's Teasel requires moist soil and grown in acid, neutral, and basic soil [3].
Uses of Fuller's Teasel
Teasel is seldom used in modern herbalism, and its therapeutic effects are disputed [3]. Traditionally, it has been used to treat conditions such as warts, cancerous sores, and fistulae, which is abnormal passages opening through the skin [3]. An infusion of the leaves strengthens the stomach, create an appetite, remove obstructions of the liver and treat jaundice [2]. Also, the infusion is known to be used as a wash to treat acne [3]. The plant is also believed to be used in the treatment of cancer [22]. There are a number of medicinal properties clamied for the teasel, though not proven in medical trials [3]. The medicinal properties include cure of Lyme Disease, antibiotic, improved circulation, cure for eyewash (water collected in the cup formed by the sessile leaves) [3]. The root is diaphoretic, diuretic, and stomachic.The root of Fuller's Teasel is harvested in early autumn and is dried for later use [22].
Human Impact
Teasels have been settled in many regions away from their native range, partly due to the import of Fuller's Teasel for textile processing, and partly by the seed being a contaminant mixed with crop seeds [3]. Many teasels have been regarded as invasive species in North America. It is known to form a monoculture meaning that it is capable of crowding out all native plant species. Thus, it is discouraged and/or eliminated within restored open lands and other conservation areas [3]. One of the most effective control methods that humans use is killing the roots as the biomass of the teasel is below ground [3]. Also, repeated mowing through the growing season gradually depletes the food energy stored in the root system [3]. Repeated hand pulling in loose soils can also effectively stress the root system [3]. However, this may take several years. There is also a variety of herbicides available for controlling Fuller's Teasel. Residual herbicides is known to have the most effect. A combination of spring-summer mowing, followed by herbicide application in the fall is extremely effective [3]. By fall, the plant is preparing for dormancy by moving food reserves from the shoots down into the roots for the next growing season [3, 22]. Herbicide application at this time maximizes chemical translocation into the root system and results in a better kill [3].