Dipsacus chinensis is a tall herbaceous teasel in the genus Dipsacus (family Caprifoliaceae) that produces dense, bract‑fringed flowerheads. It is a 

 forming flowering stems in its second year and typically reaches over a metre in height. Flowerheads appear from July to September and may be purple, dark pink, lavender or white. The stems and seedheads are spiny and were historically used in the textile trade to raise the nap on woollen cloth.

As a member of the genus Dipsacus and the Caprifoliaceae family, Dipsacus chinensis behaves as a tall herbaceous biennial. Plants commonly produce their terminal flowerheads in the second year and carry distinctive, spiny bracts surrounding the ovoid inflorescences. Flowering takes place from July to September, with individual heads showing shades of purple, dark pink, lavender or white. Allow sufficient space for stems that commonly reach over a metre; place the plant where the upright heads are visible from paths or the back of a mixed border. Keep intact dried heads through winter if you want seed or winter architectural interest; alternatively cut them once the seeds have dispersed. The spiny structure of the flowerhead is a noteworthy feature to handle with care when deadheading or moving plants. Dipsacus chinensis suits areas where tall biennial silhouettes are acceptable and where the dried heads can be left or used as hand‑held specimens. Historically the dried heads were used to raise the nap on woollen cloth, which also makes them a useful source of natural craft material in the garden.

Dipsacus chinensis is a tall herbaceous teasel in the genus Dipsacus (family Caprifoliaceae) that produces dense, bract‑fringed flowerheads. It is a biennial forming flowering stems in its second year and typically reaches over a metre in height. Flowerheads appear from July to September and may be purple, dark pink, lavender or white. The stems and seedheads are spiny and were historically used in the textile trade to raise the nap on woollen cloth.

Dipsacus chinensis produces bract‑fringed flowerheads from July to September in purple, pink or white.

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