Tragopogon dubius aka Goatsbeard

Taxonomy

Genus Tragopogon Family Asteraceae Order Asterales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Tragopogon dubius, also known as yellow salsify, western salsify, western goat's-beard, wild oysterplant, yellow goat's beard, goat's beard, goatsbeard, common salsify, or salsify, is a species of salsify native to southern and central Europe and western Asia, and can be found as far north and west as northern France. It grows as an annual or occasionally biennial forb, reaching a height of typically 20–60 cm but sometimes almost a metre. It thrives in warm, sheltered spots with moist soil and blooms with a yellow flower head that is 4–6 cm in diameter, typically seen in late spring or early summer. The buds are blue-green, tall, and tapered, and the inflorescence opens early in the morning and often closes up by late afternoon. Later, the plant forms a seed head that resembles that of the dandelions but is distinctly larger. The seeds themselves, known as achenes, are 2–4 cm long but featherweight, weighing about 8 mg each on average. Yellow salsify is quite similar to meadow salsify, T. pratensis, but has longer and more noticeable bracts behind the flower head. The plant is invasive in North America, where it has been introduced and become widespread, being reported from all the continental United States except for a few in the far southeast, and all provinces of Canada except Newfoundland and the northern territories. The plant can hybridize readily with meadow salsify and the common salsify or oyster plant (T. porrifolius), and in North America, its hybrids have given rise to the new alloploid hybrid species T. mirus and T. miscellus. The basal leaves of Tragopogon dubius can be eaten raw or cooked, and Native Americans ate the roots, which are best cooked and are said to taste like oysters. However, yellow salsify is also a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Yellow salsify likes soil that is well-draining and does not need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Goatsbeard, Yellow Salsify, Salsify, Western Salsify, Western Goat's Beard, Wild Oysterplant, Yellow Goat's Beard, Goat's Beard, Goatsbeard, Common Salsify, Salsify

How to care for Goatsbeard

Difficulty

Goatsbeard is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Goatsbeard should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Goatsbeard loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Goatsbeard requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Goatsbeard will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Goatsbeard should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Goatsbeard’s native range is Europe to W. Asia - Austria and N. France eastwards.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Tragopogon Genus

Tragopogon Goatsbeard

Tragopogon coloratus

Tragopogon pratensis Goat's Beard

Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify

Tragopogon gracilis

Tragopogon orientalis Orientalischer Bocksbart

Tragopogon crocifolius