Names and Myths

Dipsacus Greek dipsa thirst. Leaves clasp the stem and hold water from the rain, this water was thought to be especially good at quenching a thirst.

sylvestris growing in the woods.

Natural history / Folklore

Brought from Europe for its use in the woolen trade, the dried head being used to “tease” the nap of woolen cloth. Dried flower heads keep their shape and are often used in flower arrangements.²²

Description

July – September Blue-Pink or white flowers developing in the middle of the eggshaped head and spreading over a period of weeks to the top and bottom. Grows from 2 to 6 feet in height.^9,22 Roadsides, fields and meadows.⁵