La Dipsacus fullonum, commonly known as teasel, Venus bath, carder o borriquero thistle, is a biennial plant that stands out in the botanical world for its distinctive, thorny appearance and its ability to easily naturalize in different habitats. Although not always appealing to all tastes, this species has great ecological, ornamental, and ethnobotanical value, making it a very attractive option for low-maintenance gardens, nature reserves, and biodiversity-focused spaces.
Description and morphology of Dipsacus fullonum
La Dipsacus fullonum is a herbaceous biennial plant that can reach between 1,5 to 2,5 meters high in its second year of life. During the first year, the plant forms a basal rosette of leaves long, pointed and lanceolate, dark green in color and with a somewhat rough texture. These leaves They can grow up to 30 centimeters and have an opposite morphology, that is, they are arranged in pairs along the stem.
In its second year, Dipsacus fullonum develops a straight, robust central stem covered with thornsThe stem leaves fuse at the base, forming a single structure that retains rainwater, creating a small natural "bathtub." This feature, in addition to being beneficial for wildlife, is the reason for several of its popular names, such as "Venus's bath" or "holy water font."
The inflorescence is presented in the form of spiny, conical or ovoid heads, supported by peduncles which can exceed 40 centimeters. Each flower head is covered with numerous straight or curved and inflexible bracts, with more or less evident retrogressive aculeus, and may contain more than 900 individual flowers densely arranged.
The color of the flowers varies from pinkish white to lavender, pale purple or violet, and the florets are arranged in a peculiar circular crown that moves simultaneously up and down during the flowering period.
Geographic distribution and habitats
From Europe, Western Asia and North Africa, Dipsacus fullonum has extended its distribution to other parts of the world, including North and South America. In the Iberian Peninsula It is widely common, being found in both humid areas as in dry and sunny areas.
This species thrives on clayey, fertile, and well-drained soils, but it also adapts to poorer and more compact soils. It is common to see it in fresh meadows, river and stream banks, roadsides, fallow fields and wastelandsIts colonization capacity is related to the enormous amount of seeds produced each year, with frequent naturalization in altered or subnatural spaces.
In many regions, teasel is considered a species that can become invasive If left unchecked, it has been classified as a weed in certain areas. However, its presence is also valued in parks and reserves to promote biodiversity and attract wildlife.
Characteristics and life cycle
Dipsacus fullonum develops a biennial cycle: during the first year it produces only leaves and stores nutrients; in the second, it flowers, bears fruit, and dies after dispersing its seeds. Each specimen can produce up to 40 flower heads and over 36.000 seeds in total. The plant is autophagous, meaning it can self-fertilize, although it is also pollinated by insects, especially bees and butterflies.
- Basal leaves: large, entire or toothed, lanceolate and with tiny spines on lower veins.
- Stem leaves: opposite and welded at the base, forming a structure that collects water.
- Taproot: thick, taproot and with numerous fibrous secondary roots.
- Flower stems: straight, angular, with stings and branched at the top.
- Fruit: a four-angled achene containing seeds of excellent viability.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the cardencha is the fact that its flowers have short duration, but the gradual opening cycle allows the plant to remain in flower for several weeks, making it a prolonged visual spectacle. After flowering and fruiting, the plant completes its life cycle and dies.
Ecology, importance for wildlife and traditional uses
Dipsacus fullonum plays a fundamental role in the food chain of the ecosystems where it is present. Its seeds are an important winter food resource for many birds, particularly goldfinches (carduelis carduelis), which feed almost exclusively on them during the cold season. Furthermore, their ability to retain water between their leaves provides a resource for birds and insects in arid areas.
During the flowering period, the teasel attracts a large number of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and other insects, making it ideal for wildlife gardens and ecological restoration projects. Furthermore, occasionally, mature heads can be found whitish worms (Tylenchus dipsaci), which according to popular tradition had healing properties when carried in small bags.
Traditionally, the dried flower head was used as natural tool for carding wool, hence the nickname "carder" or "carder's comb." Even before the invention of metal carders, teasel was irreplaceable in the artisanal textile industry. Today, its dried flowers are used as decorative element and in the creation of floral arrangements.
According to the traditional medicine, the plant (especially the root) has been used as diuretic, sudorific and purifyingInfusions are prepared for arthritis, and the roots soaked in wine have been used for centuries to treat wounds. The water collected from its leaves was also applied to skin conditions.
Varieties, synonyms and popular names
Dipsacus fullonum has several subspecies and forms recognized by botany, including:
- Dipsacus fullonum subsp. fullonum
- Dipsacus fullonum subsp. sylvestris
- Dipsacus fullonum var. intermedius
- Dipsacus sylvestris Huds.
- Dipsacus vulgaris CC Gmel.
This plant has a wide variety of common or vulgar names throughout Hispanic geography, reflecting its deep ethnobotanical roots. Among other names, it is known as agua bendita, holy water, Venus bath, bombilla, cadillo, carda, cardancha, cardeña, cardenca, brava cardencha, carders' cardencha, wild cardincha, cardon, donkey's cardencha, comb cardencha, shepherd's staff, chupón, holy water reservoir, witch's comb, or raspasayos. In northern Spain and Aragon, there are also names such as candincha, cardigaza, cardincho, gardancha, matracas, or broxa combs.
Name dipsacus derives from the Greek "dípsa" meaning "thirsty," alluding to the plant's ability to retain water between its leaves. The Latin epithet fullonum refers to the traditional use as a "wool carder's plant."
Active ingredients and medicinal properties
The chemistry of Dipsacus fullonum has revealed the presence of inulin, glycosides, bitter beginnings, salicylic acid y potassium salts, responsible for its traditional properties diuretic, purifying and sudorificIn some phytotherapeutic texts it is considered useful in preparations for the treatment of arthritis, skin conditions and wounds (topically), although caution and professional consultation are always recommended before use.
Nowadays, cardencha is mainly valued as an ornamental and conservation plant, for its contribution to biological diversity, its winter appeal, and its unique traditional uses. It is often planted in naturalized gardens, ecological trails, and rural settings where the goal is to promote native fauna.
Dipsacus fullonum, far from being just another thistle, represents a valuable link between nature and culture: its morphology, life cycle, and relationship with birds, insects, and rural industry ensure it a prominent place in rural landscapes and the collective memory of multiple regions.
