Knowledgebase
controlling wild teasel #879597
Asked July 31, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi,
Common teasel, or Fuller's teasel as it's also called, Dipsacus sylvestris, Dipsacus fullonum, is a biennial plant. If you see plants that are flowering right now, you'll want to cut those down and collect the seed heads to keep them from going to seed. You'll also want to treat any of the first year rosettes that you're seeing. Here's some detailed information on the plant's biology.
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=161&common=Fuller%27s+teasel
Alternatively, you may have Cutleaf teasel, which is treated the same way. https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=50&common=Cutleaf+teasel
You can have pretty good effectiveness in controlling this plant using mowing and/or digging. The use of Triclopyr applied to foliage and stems has also been found to be effective. Just know that Triclopyr is broad spectrum and has a long residual, so be cautious about where you use that product. Always read the entire product label before using any herbicide.
Here is a list of control options along with their relative effectiveness that you can explore for these plants:
https://mipncontroldatabase.wisc.edu/search?name=Dipsacus_fullonum
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/avoid-herbicide-misuse-at-home-things-to-know-before-you-buy