Tragopogon cupani

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Tragopogon cupani is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). 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

Not known

S. Europe - Sicily.

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

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. One report says that it is no more than a sub-species of T. porrifolius. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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: Biennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. porrifolius cupani. (Guss.)B.K.Richardson.