Yellow Salsify
Tragopogon dubius
Also known as Yellow Goat's Beard, Western Salsify, Western Goat's Beard
Climate Match for your location
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Yellow Salsify is a tall, slender perennial with thin leaves and bright yellow dandelion-like flowers followed by distinctive large seed heads. It tolerates poor, dry soils and is often considered a wildflower or weedy species in disturbed areas.
Why grow it
Yellow Salsify offers a hardy alternative to cultivated salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) where poor soil fertility or drought stress limits other root crops. Its edible taproot resembles true salsify in flavor, though the plant establishes more readily in marginal sites. The flowers and seed heads provide visual interest in informal plantings where conventional ornamentals struggle, and the species tolerates neglect once established.
Watch out for
Yellow Salsify establishes readily from seed and can self-sow prolifically in disturbed sites, garden edges, and neglected areas. While the plant tolerates poor conditions well, this same vigor means it may require active management to prevent unwanted spread beyond intended planting zones. Deadheading spent flowers before seed maturation helps control volunteer seedlings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and temperate Eurasia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Yellow Salsify is a tall, slender perennial with thin leaves and bright yellow dandelion-like flowers followed by distinctive large seed heads. It tolerates poor, dry soils and is often considered a wildflower or weedy species in disturbed areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Yellow Salsify grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Yellow Salsify offers a hardy alternative to cultivated salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) where poor soil fertility or drought stress limits other root crops. Its edible taproot resembles true salsify in flavor, though the plant establishes more readily in marginal sites. The flowers and seed heads provide visual interest in informal plantings where conventional ornamentals struggle, and the species tolerates neglect once established.
Watch out for
Yellow Salsify establishes readily from seed and can self-sow prolifically in disturbed sites, garden edges, and neglected areas. While the plant tolerates poor conditions well, this same vigor means it may require active management to prevent unwanted spread beyond intended planting zones. Deadheading spent flowers before seed maturation helps control volunteer seedlings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and temperate Eurasia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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