Popular Posts

Labels

Monday, 25 March 2013

Common Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius, Yellow Salsify (Tragopogon dubius) and Meadow salsify (Tragopogon pratensis)


File:TragopogonDubiusUtah.jpg 

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.

No comments:

Post a Comment