- roots are edible raw.
- roots can be dried and ground.
- roots can be roasted as coffee substitute.
- young leaves can be eaten raw.
- young stalks and root crowns can be simmered.
- varieties in the Pacific Northwest are Commom salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), Yellow salsify (Tragopogon dubius), Meadow salsify (Tragopogon pratensis).
- grows in dry, disturbed areas.
Field Notes
I've had poor experience with the salsify roots that I've gathered locally. Even after cooking, the roots are mostly tough and fibrous - inferior to dandelion roots. Maybe younger plants, a different variety of salsify, or plants collected earlier in the season would be more suitable.