Dipsacus comprises upright biennial or perennial plants characterized by either simple or pinnate foliage. The species feature dense terminal flower heads, known as capitula, which are filled with a multitude of small blooms. The calyx is adorned with bristly teeth.

Dipsacus

Dipsacus asper

Dipsacus asper from Ghangzhou, China

Dipsacus asperoides

Dipsacus chinensis

Dipsacus dipsacoides

Dipsacus ferox

Dipsacus fullonum is a biennial plant that grows upright with branching stems, reaching heights of up to 3 meters. The leaves are a vivid green and have prickly edges along the lower mid-ribs, creating a unique texture. The leaves at the base merge to form a cup that supports the stem. The flowerheads can reach lengths of 6 centimeters and are covered with stiff bristles, showcasing small blue flowers that bloom in a ring around the head over an extended period. This plant retains its structure during the winter months, and its seedheads provide food for goldfinches.

Dipsacus fullonum

Dipsacus fullonum 'The Gibb'

Dipsacus inermis is a robust perennial that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. It features compact clusters of small, pincushion-like flower heads composed of aromatic, tubular cream flowers that bloom from summer through autumn, supported by strong, branching stems.

Dipsacus inermis

Dipsacus japonicus

Dipsacus laciniatus

Dipsacus pilosus is a biennial plant that can reach heights of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Its stems are upright and feature sparse prickles. In the first year, it produces a rosette of basal leaves, while the second year sees the emergence of rounded flower heads that bear whitish blooms from late summer into early autumn.

Dipsacus pilosus

Dipsacus pinnatifidus

Dipsacus sativus is a robust biennial plant characterized by its tall, upright growth and spiny green leaves. It features branching stems that are also covered in prickles. During the summer, cylindrical flowerheads emerge, adorned with clusters of small white flowers. As the season progresses, the seed heads dry naturally and can be harvested for floral arrangements or left in the garden, where they attract various bird species, particularly goldfinches. This species is closely related to the familiar teasel (D. fullonum), but it is easily identified by the distinctive hooked bristles present on its seed heads.