Salsify Fluff

Tragopogon dubius - Yellow Salsify aka Yellow Goatsbeard, Western Salsify, and Wild Oysterplant. It is found in 45 states - all but Hawaii,... more

by Charles Robinson

Title

Salsify Fluff

Artist

Charles Robinson

Medium

Photograph - Landscape Photograph

Description

Tragopogon dubius - Yellow Salsify aka Yellow Goatsbeard, Western Salsify, and Wild Oysterplant. It is found in 45 states - all but Hawaii, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina - Yellow Salsify is considered an invasive weed in Washington, although apparently with little negative economic impact. The taproot is edible and is reported to be the reason it was imported into the United States. The reported flavor is reminiscent of oysters, giving it the Wild Oysterplant common name. It was grown in Thomas Jefferson's garden, although from what I can find it was a different Tragopogon species - T. porrifolius.

The Yellow Salsify blossom is dandelion-like, and has only ray florets, which are yellow. The rays are subtended by green involucre bracts which are notably longer than the rays themselves.

Uploaded

June 24th, 2022