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There’s No Teasing About Teasel

By Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

December 17, 2025

Teasel flower in bloom — The teasel is native to Eurasia and northern Africa. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

Teasel is a common non-native plant in our area. You’ve probably seen it, but most people don’t know its name or anything about it. You may even mistake it for thistle, but its scientific name is Dipscacus fullonum. The Greek word dipsa, means thirst and is a nod to how the leaves clustered at the top of the teasel’s stem will collect water.

A teasel flower loses its bloom. — In late summer into fall, the teasel loses its bloom. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

Dipscacus fullonum is not particular about its habitat and can thrive in old fields or even roadsides, growing as high as six feet tall.

In the late summer and fall, teasel can be seen with a light purple ring of flowers. There is a unique progression of how the flowers open on teasel. They start in a belt around the center with new flowers opening daily in both directions, and in time form two bands of flowers.

Teasel, also known as fuller’s teasel, is generally thought to be more useful in its dried winter state. It was brought over from Europe for the specific purpose of combing or “teasing” wool in preparation for spinning. Hence the name teasel.

A shaft of dried teasel in winter — Teasel in winter. Photo by Jennifer Correa-Kruegel.

Teasel is preferred over metal tools because it is gentle and more forgiving and will not tear the wool.

Fun Facts About Teasel

The Greek word dipsa, which is part of the scientific name for teasel, means thirst and refers to the leaves collecting water.
Teasel is common along roadsides.
In late summer into early fall, they have a purple ring of flowers.
Teasel was brought over from Europe for combing or “teasing” wool to prepare it for spinning.

Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalist

Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.