Tragopogon dubius 

'Yellow Salsify'

Asteraceae: an annual or biennial, reaching a height of typically 20–60cm. Found in Meadows, pastures, dunes, waysides and waste places. The yellow flower head is 4–6cm in diameter, buds blue-green, tall, and tapered. The inflorescence opens early in the morning and often closes by late afternoon. Blooming from May – June. The seed head resembles that of the dandelions but is distinctly larger. The seeds themselves (known as achenes) are 2–4cm long. Un-toothed linear lanceolate lower leaves. Native to native to southern and central Europe and western Asia and found as far north and west as northern France. Introduced into North America.

USES:

The roots can be eaten either raw or cooked, the roots have a sweet flavour due to their inulin content, the young roots can be eaten raw whilst older roots are best cooked like parsnips or salsify, also the flowering stem, including the buds, can be cooked and served like asparagus.

Goat's beard is a useful remedy for the liver and gallbladder, it appears to have a detoxifying effect and may stimulate the appetite and digestion. Its high inulin content makes this herb a useful food for diabetics since inulin is a nutrient made of fructose rather than glucose units and therefore does not raise blood sugar levels. The root is astringent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, nutritive and stomachic. A syrup made from the root gives great relief in cases of obstinate coughs and bronchitis. A decoction of the root is given in the treatment of heartburn, loss of appetite and disorders of the breast or liver. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds. Germination in 1-3 weeks, warm. Full sun on well-drained soil.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 
APPROX. 35+ SEEDS