Salsify

Tragopogon porrifolius

Physical Characteristics

Tragopogon porrifolius is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Gum Root - raw or cooked[2, 5, 27, 33, 37, 89]. The young root can be grated in salads[12], older roots are best cooked[183]. The flavour is mild and sweet, and is said to resemble oysters[183, K]. The roots are harvested as required from October until early spring, or can be harvested in late autumn and stored until required[4]. Young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 12, 27, 33, 37, 52, 183]. The new growth is used in spring. A sweet taste[200]. Flowering shoots - raw or cooked[200]. Used like asparagus. Flowers - raw. Added to salads[183]. The sprouted seeds can be added to salads or sandwiches[183]. The root latex is used as a chewing gum[61, 105, 161, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antibilious Aperient Deobstruent Diuretic Salsify is a cleansing food with a beneficial effect upon the liver and gallbladder[254]. The root is antibilious, slightly aperient, deobstruent and diuretic[4, 21]. It is specific in the treatment of obstructions of the gall bladder and jaundice[240] and is also used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure[254].

Known Hazards

None known