Teasel, << TEE zuhl, >> is the name of a group of herbs with prickly stems. The only commercially valuable species of teasel is the fuller’s teasel, also called clothier’s teasel and clothier’s brush. The dried flower heads of this plant are used to raise the nap (threads) on cloth. The dried flowers or fruits of several species of teasel are also used in arrangements of dried flowers.
The fuller’s teasel is native to Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia. It also is grown in the United States. The plant has long, stemless leaves; pale lilac or white flowers; and stiff bracts (modified leaves) surrounding the flower heads. The dried heads are cut in two and attached to a cylinder that revolves against the cloth. The best heads are used for raising the nap on garments. The largest heads are used on blankets. Small heads are used for fine fabrics.
