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 a is a biennial that was originally from Europe and western Asia, but is now found throughout much of North America.
The genus name Tragopogon is derived from the Greek words 'tragos' meaning 'goat' and 'pogon' meaning 'beard'.
Key ID features that distinguish it from its close relative
Meadow Salsify (Tragopogon pratensis) include:
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ray petals are pale yellow and are noticably shorter than the longest phyllaries
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phyllaries have green or pale (not reddish purple) margins
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peduncle is noticably swollen below the head and fruit
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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
(note long phyllaries compared to ray petals)
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22 June 2022
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA
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22 June 2022
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA
(showing leaves and stems)
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23 June 2022
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA
(note long phyllaries compared to ray petals)
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23 June 2022
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA
(flower head after fertilization)
(note margins of phyllaries are green/pale)
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22 June 2022
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA
(ripe seed head)
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22 June 2022
(showing pappus details)
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA
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