code: 945
it can be introduced to flowerbeds and borders
Family: Compositae
Common name: Salsify
Plant Classification: Hardy biennial
Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), also called Common Salsify, Jerusalem Star, Goatsbeard, Vegetable Oyster, Salsify, White Salsify, Wild Salsify is a biennal root vegetable which prefers well drained soil and cool climates. It is the member of the genus Tragopogon L. in the family Asteraceae Salsify can be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers, roots, seeds, greens could be used for various food preparations. Salsify was originated in Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. It has also been introduced to the North America, British Isles, South Africa and Australia as well.
Plant
Salsify is robust, erect, biennial herb which grows upto 50-110 cm in height. It has a labrescent, erect, unbranched stem upto 2-4 feet high. Leaves are alternate, thin, linear-lanceolate, green in color and 20-40 cm long. The plant yields a purple flower head with green bracts which is 5 cm across. Salsify has a fleshy and brownish yellow taproot which is long, cylindrical, tapered about 15–30 cm long and 2.5-3 cm wide. It has creamy white flesh. The skin of taproot is rough. The fruit of Salsify is tiny, oblong- narrow having 1 to 1-3/5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long which is pale brown in color. One seed is possessed by each fruit.
Sowing advice:
For best results, seeds are sown directly into the ground where required in the spring. Alternatively, sow in late winter/early spring in gentle warmth, 15-20 degrees C. Prick out into small 3″ pots and plant in final position when the plants are established.
Nutritional Value
Salsify raw is a loaded with excellent amount of nutrients such as 0.93 mg of iron, 35 µg of calcium, 505 mg of potassium, 0.356 mg of manganese, 31 mg of magnesium, 100 mg of phosphorous and 0.118 mg of copper along with vitamins that includes ascorbic acid 10.6 mg, riboflavin 0.293 mg, pantothenic acid 0.493 mg, folate 35 µg, thiamine 0.106 mg and vitamin B6 0.368 mg in a cup of 133 grams. It also possesses protein, dietary fiber about 4.39 mg, 4.4 g respectively.
Distribution and flowering times
Salsify, which blooms from the end of March until the begining of June, is found in the Mediterranean region although, curiously, not in Portugal. The plants shown on this page were photographed in Crete in early April.
Habitat
This plant can be found on roadsides and in abandoned farmland. After it has finished flowering it produces a large, round seed head and so is still easily recognisable.
