Dipsacus japonicus aka Japanese Teasel

Dipsacus japonicus belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Plants For A Future lists its common name as Xu Duan. Its native range spans China, Korea, and central and southern Japan. It grows in temperate parts of this region. Chinese records place it along roadsides and in wild areas. In Japan, it grows in sunny sites. Those records cover heights of about 984–4,921 feet [300–1,500 metres] above sea level. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant reaches about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres] in height. Kew records it as a biennial. Plants For A Future describes it as biennial or perennial. Thus, the sources differ on how long it may live. The supplied species records give no mature width. They also lack details about its stems and leaves. Flowers appear from August to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. The evidence gives no flower colour or fruit description.

Plants For A Future lists moist soil as its preference. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Its listed pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. The source includes cultivated beds among its garden settings. Its account does not confirm hardiness in Britain. It suggests outdoor survival may be possible based on its range. That suggestion is not a tested hardiness rating. No firm winter temperature limit appears in the evidence.

Young leaves have a recorded food use after cooking. The source describes them as food used during severe shortages. This is a limited food role, not a broad culinary recommendation. Roots and seeds also have records of traditional medicinal use. These include root preparations for joint pain and back pain. The source records seed use to increase urine flow. Such records describe folk practice, rather than proof of safe treatment. Root use to induce abortion is also reported.

Plants For A Future lists no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for people or pets. Its account lists no other practical uses. It also records no weed potential. The supplied evidence gives no species-specific pest or disease details.