Dipsacus pilosus

Dipsacus pilosus or small teasel is a species of biennial flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. The epithet small refers to the flower heads which are smaller, globular and made up of white flowers with violet anthers and woolly spines.

Flowers from July to September.

Small teasel prefers damp, calcareous soils especially along woodland edges and clearings but is also found along hedgerows and the banks of streams and rivers. Although often found amongst tall vegetation the seeds of small teasel require disturbance for germination. It therefore requires a habitat subject to occasional management if it is to persist.

Seeds germinate best in the autumn.