Goat's Beard

Tragopogon pratensis

Plant Data

Order:

Asterales

Family:

Asteraceae (Daisy)

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Flowers:

Yellow dandelion-type flower, opening in the morning and when sunny, up to 3cm. Pointed bracts much longer than florets.

Fruit:

A head of white seeds, similar-looking to dandelion but larger.

Leaves:

Alternate, stalkless and linear leaves, tapering to a sharp point. Parallel veins.

Maximum Size:

75cm tall.

Foraging Notes:

The leaves, roots and stems are all edible, raw or cooked.
Never consume a wild plant unless you are 100% certain that it is safe to eat and you know that you have identified it correctly.

Other Names:

Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, Meadow Goat's-beard, Meadow Salsify, Oyster Plant, Shepherd's Clock, Showy Goat's-beard, Yellow Goat's-beard.

Habitats:

Grassland, meadows, roadsides, sand dunes, wasteland.