Tragopogon dubius

Yellow Salsify, Western Salsify, Yellow Goat's-beard

[not native to the Mid-Atlantic area]

[ click on any image below to see larger version ]

Family: Asteraceae (Aster / Sunflower family)

Mid-Atlantic bloom time: April - July

Yellow Salsify is a native to Europe and western Asia, but is now found throughout much of North America. Key ID features that distinguish it from Tragopogon pratensis (Meadow Salsify) include:

• phyllaries have green or pale (not reddish purple) margins
• petals are pale yellow and noticably shorter than the longest phyllaries (not equal or longer)
• peduncle is obviously swollen below the head and fruit (not only slightly swollen)
• leaf tips are straight (not curled)

Its seedheads look a bit like giant dandelion heads, with each seed having a pappus that aids in wind distribution.

28 July 2018 Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Nokesville, VA	22 June 2022 Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA	22 June 2022 Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA (showing leaves and stems)	23 June 2022 Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA
23 June 2022 Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA (flower head after fertilization)	22 June 2022 Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA (ripe seed head)	22 June 2022 (showing pappus details) Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA

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