Tragopogon porrifolius aka Salsify

Tragopogon porrifolius is a biennial herb in the aster family. Gardeners know it as salsify, oyster plant, or purple goat's beard. Its native range spans the Canary Islands and Mediterranean to Arabia. People have introduced it to Britain, North America, and other regions. It grows along roadsides, in grasslands, and on unused ground. Gardeners grow it for both its roots and flowers.

Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Some reach 4 feet [1.2 metres]. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The plant forms a leaf rosette in its first year. Upright, branched stems bear flowers in the second year. Pale green leaves look like grass and have smooth edges. Their broad bases clasp the stem. Each leaf narrows to a long, fine point. Cut stems release a sticky white sap. A thick taproot grows beneath the rosette.

Flower heads open from April to August. Each stalk carries one head at its tip. Pink-purple to mauve rays give them a daisy-like look. Long, narrow sepals extend beyond the rays. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers, and insects pollinate them. The brown fruits are achenes with fine white hairs. These form round seed heads much like dandelion clocks. Wind carries the seeds away from the parent plant.

Salsify grows best in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade. Give it deep soil that stays moist but drains well. It can grow in sand, loam, clay, or chalk. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. RHS rates it H4, while NC State lists USDA zones 5–9. Its growth rate is moderate, and it needs little upkeep. It needs no pruning. Grow it in meadows, cottage gardens, beds, or flower borders. It can serve as an accent among other wildflowers.

Harvest first-year roots in late autumn or winter, before flowering. Young roots can be grated and eaten raw in salads. Cook older roots; their mild, sweet taste recalls oysters or asparagus. Leaves and young or flowering shoots are also edible. Flowers and sprouted seeds can go into salads. Sources record herbal uses, but do not establish medical benefit. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. Pests and diseases cause few problems in most gardens. Slugs and snails may damage seedlings and young plants. White rust and powdery mildew can occur. Mice and voles may eat the roots during winter.