Salsify (3)

Yellow Salsify
Tragopogon dubius

Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA: Oysterplant, Goat's Beard, Western Salsify
Photo taken on: June 23, 2007
Location: Almont, CO
Life Zones: Plains to montane
Habitat: Meadows and disturbed soil

Grows to 4ft tall with a hollow stem and milky sap. The seed head formed is like that of a Dandelion but is 3"-4" across.

Flora of North America reference.

Meadow Salsify
Tragopogon pratensis (Tragopogon lamottei)

Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA: Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, Showy Goat's Beard
Photo taken on: June 23, 2007
Location: Almont, CO
Life Zones: Plains to montane
Habitat: Meadows and disturbed soil

Grows to 3ft with a hollow stem and milky sap. Flowers have toothed tips and close in sunlight. Yellow Salsify has bracts that extend beyond the petals, Meadow Salsify does not.

Flora of North America reference.

False Salsify
Scorzonera laciniata (Podospermum laciniatum)

Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA: Cutleaf Vipergrass
Photo taken on: April 30, 2010
Location: White Rock, NM
Life Zones: Plains and foothills
Habitat: Disturbed soil, roadsides

Grows to 20" with a grooved, hollow stem with milky sap. Leaves are narrowly divided and grass-like. Flowers are 1" across and have long, brown-tipped bracts. They open when the sun shines on them then close after a few hours.  Seed heads are 2" across. Flora of North America reference.