July 14

In the wet areas, whether along the roadside or near a pond, look now for teasel heads. They are a finicky thing and prefer fairly wet and yet sunny locations, which is why they frequent the in-between ditch of some divided highways in the state or the accompaniment of cattail and reed grass at shore’s edge of the lesser ponds.

Teasels must be close cousin to the thistles, for they too are beginning to bloom in the fields and waste lots.

Often, the easiest method of locating teasels is to simply seek out the sere heads from last year, dark brown with the distinct teasel leaves and prickly comb. When driving on potential roadways for teasels and thistles, it is the sere cluster from last year that advertises the spot. This year’s growth is light green, with small purple flowers that grow in a curious ring in the teasel head, lifting ever upward toward the tip with each passing day.

I’m told the sere heads were used as wool combs long ago, and I believe it. They are prickly things.