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controlling wild teasel #879597

Asked July 31, 2024, 1:40 PM EDT

HI, I tried searching your website for "wild teasel" but nothing came up. This invasive plant is starting to overrun the fields surrounding my house and I'd like to control (or eliminate) it if possible. Do you have any recommendations? Any ideas appreciated. Thank you!

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


Thank you for your question! Replied August 02, 2024, 11:06 AM EDT

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