Dipsacus sativus

Dipsacus sativus_Fuller's teasel_JM DiTomaso_cropped
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: In most of the literature used in this review, the teasels were described as a group, making very little distinction between D. sativus, D. fullonum, and D. sylvestris (name also used for D. fullonum); therefore information is largely identical. Further, according to personal observation by J.M. DiTomaso, in California, both D. fullonum and D. sativus occur in similar habitats and behave in a similar manner.

Common names: Fuller's teasel

Dipsacus sativus (Fuller’s teasel) is a biennial (family Dipsacaceae) found in California’s Coastal and Peninsular Ranges and the San Francisco Bay area. It favors disturbed sites, including grasslands, roadsides, ditches and riparian sites. Fuller’s teasel’s spiny flower heads were used for carding wool before metal carding combs were created. Teasel plants may grow to form dense stands that are impenetrable by humans and animals. Teasel seeds can survive in the soil for 6 years or more, and once a dense population is established, it can persist for decades. Small populations may be mechanically controlled by removing plants to a few inches below the root crown.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Species ID Card

Invasive Species ID Card - To support field identification of early detection species, Cal-IPC has designed a set of Species ID cards that can be downloaded, printed double-sided, and trimmed to size.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

There are no Symposium presentations associated with this species yet.

Other Dipsacus sativus Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Dipsacus sativus_infestation_copyright 2019_NealKramer
    Dipsacus sativus (Fuller's teasel) infestation. Photo: &#169 2019 Neal Kramer
    Dipsacus sativus_inflorescence_copyright 2019_NealKramer
    Dipsacus sativus (Fuller's teasel) inflorescence. Photo: &#169 2019 Neal Kramer
    Dipsacus sativus_stem and leaves_copyright 2019_NealKramer
    Dipsacus sativus (Fuller's teasel) stem and leaves. Photo: &#169 2019 Neal Kramer