Description

For such a handsome and tall plant this native biennial is less well known than it deserves, being equally as tall and wider spreading than its more familiar cousin. The epithet small refers to the flower heads which are smaller, globular and made up of white flowers with violet anthers and woolly spines. Flowers from July to September.

Habitat Information

Small teasel prefers damp, calcareous soils especially along woodland edges and clearings but is also found along hedgerows and the banks of streams and rivers. Although often found amongst tall vegetation the seeds of small teasel require disturbance for germination. It therefore requires a habitat subject to occasional management if it is to persist.

Growing information

Best sown in the autumn but can be grown at any time of the year.