teazel, in botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the tetrandra class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 48th order, Aggregata. The common calyx is polyphyllous, proper above; the receptacle paleaceous. There are four species; the most remarkable of which is the carduus fulvum, which grows wild in many parts of England. It is of singular use in raising the knap upon woollen cloth. For this purpose, the heads are fixed round the circumference of a large broad wheel, which is made to turn round, and the cloth is held against them. In the west of England, great quantities of the plant are cultivated for the use just now mentioned. It is propagated by sowing the seeds in March, upon a soil that is well prepared. About one peck of seed is sufficient for an acre, as the plants must have room to grow; otherwise the heads will not be large enough, nor in great quantity. When the plants come up, they must be hoed in the same manner as is practised for turnips, cutting down all the weeds, and thinning the plants to about eight inches distance; and as the plants advance, and the weeds begin to grow again, they must be hoed a second time, cutting out the plants to a wider distance, so that they may finally stand a foot distant from each other. The second year they will shoot up heads, which may be cut about the beginning of August. They are then to be tied up in bunches, and let in the sun if the weather is fair; or if not, in rooms to dry them. The common produce is about 160 bundles or stalks upon an acre, which are sold for one shilling each.

The leaves of the common wild teazel, dried, and given in powder or infusion, are a very powerful remedy against flatulences and crudities in the stomach. There is also another, though somewhat whimsical, use for which this plant is famous among the country people in England. If the heads are opened longitudinally, about September or October, there is generally found a small worm in them: one of these only is found in each head, whence naturalists have named it the vermis foliarius diptaci. They collect three, five, or seven of these, always observing to make it an odd number; and, sealing them up in a quill, give them to be worn as an amulet against the ague. This superstitious remedy is in much higher repute than the bark, in many parts of England.