TEASEL [DISPACUS SYLVESTRIS]

This tall prickly Eurasian plant that I have found growing wild around Humboldt Bay and in a high sierra garden (Sierra City elevation 4,800 ft) appeals to me primarily due to its distinctive patterned seed pod. Thanks to some Flickr members and a little Web searching, I have discovered:

 

*Name - Teasel

*Official Name - Dispacus Sylvestris

*Plant Type - Biennial - Monocarpic (Blooms once then dies)

*The Chinese believe that the extract from its root prevents miscarriages.

*The roots can also be processed to provide an aperitif (low alcoholic drink) - my

kind of plant.

*It is an herbal treatment for Lyme disease.

*Because of its prickly nature it was used as a "card" (comb to clean raw wool or hemp fibers) before the spinning process.

 

My original plan, after collecting some seed pods on the coast this summer, was to start some plants from seeds next Spring. However, now I am having second thoughts. It seems that this non-native plant is considered by many state agencies as a noxious weed. In fact, in an Oregon county it is on their "B" list of noxious weeds (at least its not on their "A" list).

 

What the hell, I might as well give it a try. If they really grow and take over the garden, I can always harvest their roots and make a little "happy juice".

Done