By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener What is common teasel? An exotic plant native to Europe, common teasel was introduced to North America by the earliest settlers. It has escaped cultivation and is often found growing in prairies, meadows and savannas, as well as in disturbed areas along creeks, railroads and roadsides across the United States. Identification of Common Teasel Common teasel is a tall plant that can reach heights of up to 7 feet at maturity. The plant develops a prickly, ground-hugging basal rosette the first year. Spiny, green, egg-shaped flower heads appear atop long stems the second year, eventually morphing into tight cylinders of tiny lavender blooms. Teasel blooms are distinctive for the four or five needle-like bracts that grow from the base of the flower head and curve up and around the flower head. The entire plant is prickly and untouchable, including the leaves
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