Tragopogon crocifolius
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Tragopogon crocifolius is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Cultivated land and stony ground in the mountains.
S. Europe - Italy.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. Leaves - raw or cooked.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soils, including heavy clays.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Make sure to water the seed in if the weather is dry.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist