northeastnaturalist

Teasel head silhouetted at sunset

Teasels (Dipsacus sylvestris per my notes), are in the family Caprifoliaceae and native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. (Dipsacus is Greek for thirst, refe...
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Teasels (Dipsacus sylvestris per my notes), are in the family Caprifoliaceae and native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. (Dipsacus is Greek for thirst, referring to the cup-like formation of opposite, sessile leaves merging around the stem. It might act like a moat to prevent destructive insects from climbing the stem, and it might collect nutrients from any drowned organisms.) "Teasel" is Old English because the dried heads were used to raise, or tease, the nap on wool fabrics.) The prickly spines are a defense against being eaten by herbivores. Photo taken June 9th, from my archives, ref. # 487-4
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