Yellow Goatsbeard, Western Salsify, Yellow salsify
Tragopogon dubius

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb that takes 2 years to complete its life cycle. It is like a large dandelion. In grows 20-60 cm tall. It is very similar to Salsify except it has yellow flowers. The flower stalks are strongly inflated below the flower heads. There are 8-12 flower bracts. The flower heads occur singly and are 3-5 cm across. The fruit is a narrow long-beaked achene.

There are about 50 Tragopogon species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in dry woodland and rough grassy places. In western China it grows on stony steppes and grassy slopes at the base of mountains between 500-2,000 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, Chile, China, Croatia, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mediterranean, North America, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The young stems and bases of the lower leaves are used as a potherb. The very young roots are eaten raw or cooked. The milky sap is used as a chewing gum.

The sap is especially chewed by children. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, stem, gum

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Atyemligi, Cercifim, Salsifi silvestre, Velika kozja brada

Synonyms

Tragopogon major Jacq.; Tragopogon dubius subsp. campestris;