[Wildflowers with 4 Petals Found West of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington]

The Teasel Family West of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington

Dipsacaceae

Teasel: Dipsacus fullonum

All species of this family found in the Pacific Northwest are of European origin. All spread fairly easily by seed, but teasel is much more common. Knautia likewise could become established in moister, disturbed areas east of the Cascades. It is commonly sold at nurseries.

Common Teasel, Fuller's Teasel, Teasel, Wild Teasel: Dipsacus fullonum (Synonyms: Dipsacus fullonum ssp. fullonum, Dipsacus fullonum ssp. sylvestris, Dipsacus sylvestris) - Biennial. Flowers irregular with 4 corolla lobes and 4 stamens. Flowers in elongated heads 6 or more centimeters long. Stems and bracts prickly.

Cutleaf Teasel: Dipsacus laciniatus - Not naturalized.

Bluebuttons, Field Scabiosa, Knautia: Knautia arvensis (Synonym: Scabiosa arvensis) - Perennial. Corollas irregular with 4 corolla lobes and 4 stamens. Flowers in compact heads 1-2 cm high and more than 2 cm wide. Stems not prickly.

Paul Slichter