Tragopogon dubius (Western Salsify, etc.) is a species of Salsify native
to southern and western Asia and found as far north and west as northern
France. Although it has been reported from Kashmir and India, recent evidence
suggests that specimens from these areas may be a different species. Western
Salsify has been introduced into North America where it has become
widespread, being reported in all provinces of Canada except Newfoundland and the
northern territories.
Like most
salsifies, the Western Salsify grows as an annual or occasionally biennial
forb, reaching a height of typically 20-60 cm but sometimes almost a metre. It
grows typically in warm, sheltered spots with moist soil. Its yellow flower is
4-6 cm in diameter and is likely to be seen in late spring or early summer. The
flowers open early in the morning and often close up by late afternoon. Later
the plant forms a seed head that resembles that of the dandelions but is
distinctly larger.
Because Western Salsify
is a widespread plant, it has a large number of alternative common names. They
include Western Goat's Beard, Wild Oysterplant, Yellow Salsify, Yellow Goat's
Beard, Meadow Goat's Beard, Goat's Beard, Goatsbeard, Common Salsify, or
Salsify. Some of
these are also, or more commonly, used for other species, and are better
avoided. A synonym, Tragopogon major, may also be encountered.
Unlike the dandelion; which it somewhat resembles in appearance; and some other
species of salsify; such as the Oyster Plant Tragopogon porrifolius, Western
Salsify is not generally regarded as edible; though the root can be eaten (raw or
cooked) and so can the young stems.
·
Roots
can be roasted, as a coffee substatute. Young leaves can be eaten raw.
·
Varieties
in Western Canada include Common salsify (Tragopagon porrifolius, Yellow Salsify
(Tragopogon dubius, and Meadow Salsify (Tragopogon pratensis)
·
Grows
in dry disturbed areas.
©Al (Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan. All rights reserved.
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