Hi In the area of garden that we cleared from wilderness, at the house we have recently moved to there is a big clump of leaves. These look like giant cowslip leaves, a foot or more long but when I looked closer they have a row of nasty spikes along the back spine of each leaf and some leaves have spikes on their front and back surface. Any idea what these are? Thanks Misty
As said, it is Teasel. Basically it is a tall thistle like pale purple flower on a tall stalk. Native wild flower.
Teasel in flower. Teasel flowers are great for bees and butterflies. The seeds are much loved by one of our most colourful garden birds - the goldfinch. A group of these red, white, black and gold birds is known as "a charm of goldfinches". Easy to see why. I never have any problems with unwanted seeds growing as the goldfinches eat them all. Wonderful plant - grow it and enjoy it.
Hi Hornbeam I always thought that a teasel had lighter coloured leaves that were spikier along the edges. The ones that I have are just like a cowslip....maybe I am mixing it up with a giant thistle....not much good at this,am I......yet!! You guys will help to make me an expert, in time I hope. Misty
Don't do what I did - my teasels vanished so I bought some seed, went to the trouble of growing them and then in the summer went round spraying all the thistles. Anyway they must be tough as these survived my super strength round up!
Thank You Everyone for your help. I shall leave the clump in its place and look forward to the flowers and the added joy of a visit from goldfiches. More value for money than a mere cowslip!! Misty
