[Wildflowers of the Columbia River Gorge with 4 Petals]
The Teasel Family in the Columbia River Gorge

Dipsacaceae

Teasel as seen at Page Springs Campground, Steens Mt. of southeastern Oregon (with common monkeyflower in the background)................July 30, 2004.

Teasel: Dipsacus sylvestris - A distinctive weedy species, somewhat reminiscent of thistles with thick, erect stems and opposite leaves, both of which bear numerous prickles. The stems often branch above. The flower heads are ovoid or egg-shaped in outline and are composed of numerous, tiny white and purple, tubular flowers. Distinct, narrow bracts subtend the flower heads and curve upwards to often surpass the flowerheads.

Paul Slichter E-mail