Goat's Beard (Tragopogon pratensis)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Tragopogon pratensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour due to their inulin content. — Root - 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.; They are often blanched before use.

Habitat & North American Range

Meadows, pastures, dunes, waysides and waste places. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)