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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Dipsacus fullonum.

Material uses

A blue dye obtained from the dried plant is an indigo substitute[1]. It is water soluble[1]. A yellow is obtained when the plant is mixed with alum[2].

Unknown part

Dye

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Teasel is little used in modern herbalism, and its therapeutic effects are disputed[3]. Traditionally it has been used to treat conditions such as warts, fistulae (abnormal passages opening through the skin) and cancerous sores[3].

The root is diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic[4]. An infusion is said to strengthen the stomach, create an appetite, remove obstructions of the liver and treat jaundice[5][3]. The root is harvested in early autumn and dried for later use[4]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash to treat acne[6]. The plant has a folk history of use in the treatment of cancer, an ointment made from the roots is used to treat warts, wens and whitlows[5][7].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the flowering plant[4]. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases[4].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in early spring in situ[8]. The seed can also be sown from February to May or from August to October. All but the earlier sowings can be made outdoors.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Dipsacus fullonum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils[9] but prefers clay[10]. Prefers a deep rich soil[11]. Requires a sunny position[11].

A good butterfly plant[12].

This is the true wild species of teasel, its bracts are too flexible to be used for combing cloth[10]. The flowering heads are much prized by flower arrangers because they keep their colour almost indefinitely when dried[4].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Dipsacus fullonum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Dipsacus fullonum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Dipsacus fullonum
Genus
Dipsacus
Family
Dipsacaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Niebuhr. A. D. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America. (1970-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    8. ? Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    9. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
    12. ? Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden. ()