Tragopogon

Tragopogon 

a genus of plants of the family Compositae. They are biennial or perennial herbs that contain a milky juice. The leaves are linear or lanceolate. The ligulate flowers are yellow and, less frequently, pink or purple; they are gathered in large calathide heads with a monostichous involucre. The seeds have an achene. There are more than 150 species in the temperate regions of the Old World. Approximately 80 species are found in the USSR, primarily in the Caucasus and Middle Asia. The species Tragopogon orientalis and yellow goatsbeard (T. pratensis) are commonly found in meadows and forest glades. The young stems and leaves, as well as the roots, are used as food. Salsify (T. porrifolius) is grown for its roots. Many species of Tragopogon are good fodder and nectar plants.