Fuller's Teasel

dipsacus fullonum. this is such an unusual plant. it grows up to 6 feet tall and has been introduced into the u.s. from europe. it can be found all over and is classified as an "aggressive exotic species." it's dried heads were used in textile processing providing a natural comb for cleaning, aligning, and raising the nap on fabric. the dried heads are now used in floristry and medicinally the plant contains a natural antibiotic that can be used to treat lyme's disease.