Dipsacus fullonum - Teasel - (Dipsacaceae)

The Teasel is a close relative of the various species of scabious. This tall riverside plant is particularly common beside the upper River Severn near Llanidloes in Wales, and there are plenty more places in Britain where you will find them. They can very often be spotted on motorway verges.

Teasel

The pale purple flower heads are at their finest in July and August, but many people like to pick them and keep them as dried flowers for indoor decoration. As with all wild flowers, taking too many from one place can only mean fewer flowers in future years. (We took just this photograph.)

Birds, including the lovely Gold Finch, are very attracted to the seeds of these flowers in late summer.