Tragopogon porrifolius

The plant grows to in height. As with other Tragopogon species, its stem is largely unbranched and the leaves are somewhat grasslike, up to long. It typically flowers from June to September, The achenes are 10–17 mm long and 1–3 mm wide without counting the beak, which is up to 55 mm in length. When the fruits are formed fully, the hairs from the fruits give the appearance of a ball of fluff which gives the plant its name "goatsbeard". Tragopogon pratensis has similar but smaller flowers. == Etymology ==

The Latin specific epithet porrifolius means "with leaves like leek" (Allium porrum). == Distribution ==

Tragopogon porrifolius is a common biennial wildflower, native to southeast Europe, Mediterranean Turkey, and north Africa, other parts of northern Europe, North America and southern Africa, and in Australia. In the United States, it is now found growing wild in almost every state, including Hawaii, except in the extreme south-east. == Cultivation ==

The root and the young shoots of T. porrifolius can be eaten (after being boiled). The freshly grown leaves can be eaten cooked or raw. 'Improved Mammoth Sandwich Island', 'Blauetikett', Sowing can be done in late summer or early winter Climate requirements There are no specific requirements known for the cultivation of T. porrifolius, but they have been successfully cultivated in temperate climate zones. Growth and development The seeds need 8–10 days of germination time. T. porrifolius is a biennial plant. In the first year only the vegetative parts of the plant are developed. In autumn, the energy is stored in the root system, which is depending on the variety more or less branched. In the second season the generative purple flowers evolve. Mulching with oats and the use of spring vetch (Vicia sativa) or blue tansy (Phacelia tanacetifolia) as cover crops reduces the number of fungi infecting seedlings and roots. The following fungi have been isolated from T. porrifolius seedlings and roots: Alternaria alternata, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium spp., Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. When the rows are planted too close together, powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoriacearum) can affect the plants. When the roots are left in the ground over winter, mice and voles may nibble them. == Uses ==

A latex derived from the root can be used as a chewing gum. As food The plant is edible, but the roots and leaves are most palatable when collected before the flower stalk is produced. The root is noted for having a mild taste when uncooked, described as like asparagus or oysters, from which the plant derives its alternative name of oyster plant. The outer layers can be scraped off, with the root dipped in cold water to preserve its colour. The flowering shoots can be used like asparagus, either raw or cooked and the flowers can be added to salad, while the sprouted seeds can be used in salads or sandwiches. Raw salsify is 77% water, 19% carbohydrates, 3% protein and contains negligible fat. In a 100 gram reference amount, raw salsify supplies 82 calories and moderate contents of riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese and phosphorus. ==Phytochemicals==

Tragopogon porrifolius contains polyphenol phytochemicals which are under preliminary research for their potential biological effects. Tragopogon species are being studied at the biochemical level for their novel enzyme forms and genetic polymorphism. ==References==