Western Salsify

Western Salsify, Tragopogon dubius

Western Salsify, or Goat's-Beard, is a grass-like biennial originating from Eurasia and Northern Africa, now found throughout most of North America. As part of the Asteraceae family, this flower contains a milky sap to make it unpalatable for grazing, but has no known toxicity. It was a common food source during the Middle Ages, and brought to North America by settlers as both a food source and ornamental. Flowering occurs May through September with flowers opening in the morning and closing by midday. Western salsify prefers dry, open sites and is often found along the edge of fields.