Tragopogon crocifolius

Tragopogon crocifolius belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range covers Europe and northwestern Africa. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This species grows as an annual or a biennial. Plants reach about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres] in height. The sources give no mature spread. Wild habitats include worked land and stony ground in mountains.

PFAF records flowering in July. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The supplied species evidence does not describe flower colour or shape. It also gives no details about leaves, stems, or fruit. The RHS provides those traits for the genus alone. Those broader details do not establish this species' appearance. Its recorded height and short life cycle offer the clearest guide to its form.

Grow this plant in sun, since it does not tolerate shade. PFAF lists it as suitable for ordinary garden soil. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and even heavy clay. Good drainage remains important despite this broad soil tolerance. It prefers moist ground rather than a dry planting site. Suitable soil reactions range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Neutral soil also suits it. These needs support growing it in a sunny cultivated bed.

PFAF gives USDA hardiness zones 4–8 and reports frost tolerance. Its separate UK zone number does not specify an RHS H rating. Start plants from seed sown directly outdoors in spring. Water the seed after sowing when the weather is dry. The supplied guidance does not call for indoor sowing or transplanting. It gives no growth rate or detailed maintenance schedule. It also names no pests or diseases for this species.

The roots and leaves have recorded food uses. Cook the roots before eating them. Leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. PFAF gives the plant an edibility score of two out of five. It reports no known hazards, though this is not a full safety assessment. The same source lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also records no weed potential. Its documented garden role is therefore a cultivated plant with edible parts. The evidence does not establish further landscape uses.