GOAT’S BEARD
Tragopogon dubius
SUNFLOWER FAMILY (Asteraceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - May, June, July, August, September
- Uncommon in open disturbed areas at FF and NW
- Showy yellow flower with green, pointed bracts
- Flower has many "petals"
- Huge dandelion-like seed head
This naturalized biennial or short-lived perennial was introduced from Eurasia. The erect stems have a milky sap. The solitary pale yellow flower heads, 1-2 inches across, found on top of a stem 1-3 feet tall, have petal-like ray florets (A,B). Long, slender green bracts frame the flower heads (A). The fruit, first a standing bundle (C), opens up to form a dense sphere of parachute-like seeds (D).
Found in open areas, flowering from May through September. It is uncommon at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods in open, disturbed areas including some of the prairie restorations.
The flowers open only in direct sunlight and remain closed on cloudy days; hence the alternate common name Johnny-go-to-sleep-at-noon. Other common names include Salsify, Yellow Salsify and Western Salsify.
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