A popular native biennial wildflower which originates from variety of natural habitats including river banks, waste ground, roadside verges and field edges.
A striking plant with its spiky conical flowerheads which are mostly green with blue-purple flowers appearing in tufts around  the flower head, all sitting atop tall brown prickly stems. Nectar and pollen rich when in bloom, later on its brown seed heads are favoured by greenfinches.
 
POLLINATORS: Bumble bees, honey bees and butterflies.
 
WILDLIFE: The seeds of the teasel are very important for birds, such as the goldfinch, which can often be seen alighting on the old, brown flower heads in autumn to 'tease' the seeds from them. The foliage is attractive to aphids which themselves are a food source for ladybirds.