Photographs: Co. Cork and Co. Clare

Teasel Dipsacus fullonum Leadán úcaire Family: Caprifoliaceae Flowering: July-August. Biennial. Native / introduced. Dense heads of small pink-mauve flowers with spiny linear bracts. Basal leaf rosettes of lanceolate prickly leaves in the first year are followed by erect, very prickly flowering stems with narrow leaves in the second year. Leaves are prickly underneath. Height to 2m Prefers clay soils on roadsides, rough grassland, waste ground and at the edge of woodland. Scattered distribution in Ireland, native in some areas but probably introduced in others

Teasel, Dipsacus fullonum, Leadán úcaire