Meadow Salsify
Tragopogon pratensis
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Description
Meadow Salsify, or Tragopogon pratensis, is a biennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, now naturalized in North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is recognized by its tall, slender stems and bright yellow flowers that open in the morning and close by noon. In agroecology, Meadow Salsify serves as a pioneer species, thriving in poor soils and aiding in soil aeration and nutrient cycling due to its deep taproot. It plays a role in the herbaceous layer of a food forest, attracting pollinators and providing habitat for beneficial insects. Historically, it has been used in traditional European herbal medicine. It can be integrated into guilds with plants like clover, which can enhance nitrogen availability, and yarrow, which attracts beneficial insects.
Growing Details
Meadow Salsify prefers full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating sandy and loamy types. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and yarrow for attracting beneficial insects. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor soil drainage. Harvest roots in late fall or early spring. Store roots in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Bee Friendly
Invasive
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Tragopogon pratensis</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and Asia, naturalized in Nor
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of April
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The roots of Meadow Salsify are edible, best harvested in late fall or early spring before flowering, and can be consumed raw or cooked. They have a mild, sweet flavor and are often used in salads or as a cooked vegetable. The young shoots and leaves are also edible, either raw or cooked, and can be added to salads or stir-fries. Caution is advised as the plant can be easily confused with other non-edible species.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Meadow Salsify has been used for its diuretic and digestive properties. It is believed to aid in the treatment of digestive disorders and has mild laxative effects. The roots can be dried and used in teas to support digestive health.
health concerns: Ensure proper identification before consumption to avoid confusion with non-edible species.
other uses: The plant can be used in natural dyeing processes, producing a yellow dye from its flowers.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Tragopogon pratensis</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Tragopogon pratensis
common names: Meadow Salsify; Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon; Showy
family: Asteraceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Tragopogon
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 2 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 1.0 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Meadow Salsify prefers full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating sandy and loamy types. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and yarrow for attracting beneficial insects. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor soil drainage. Harvest roots in late fall or early spring. Store roots in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Potential Disturbances: Meadow Salsify is generally pest-resistant but can be affected by aphids and fungal diseases in overly moist conditions. Introduce ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids naturally. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help deter pests. Use neem oil as an organic spray for fungal issues.
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