Ormskirk, Lancashire

This teasel, or, to give it its Sunday name, Dipsacus fullonum, was taken at a wetland centre near Ormskirk, Lancashire. It is a herbaceous biennial plant which can grow quite tall. It is easily recognized with its prickly stem and leaves and the band of small purple flowers which appear on the head (usually in July and August). The seeds mature in autumn and are an important food source for some birds, especially goldfinch. Teasel has been used in the processing of textiles as a comb for raising the nap on fabrics such as wool. It is also grown as an ornamental plant and the sculptural head makes it a favourite with flower arrangers.

This picture appears in the following picture tours:
Ormskirk, Lancashire, Flora

Buy photo