Plant Information
Common Name: MEADOW SALSIFY
Scientific Name: Tragopogon pratensis
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Description:- Perennial
- Also called Goat's-beard.
- Meadow Salsify is a perennial plant similar in appearance to dandelion, can grow up to 30 – 90cm tall and has long grass-like leaves that are clasped to the stems.
- It bears single yellow flowers of which the most characteristic feature is the long, pointed sepal-like bracts surrounding the floral disc.
- These bracts draw in to close the flower head by late morning and give rise to another common name: Jack-go-to-bed-by-noon.
- When the flowers go to seed they resemble a giant dandelion with a large dome of delicate, fluffy seeds.
- Needs sun and well-drained soil.
- The seeds can be sown at any time.
Culinary Uses:- Meadow Salsify is entirely edible.
- The roots are somewhat sweet - young roots can be eaten raw and older roots should be cooked.
- As with most roots, they can be boiled and buttered, shredded and fried or sliced and baked.
- The stalks (with the buds, before they bloom) can be cooked like asparagus.
- The leaves can be sauteed lightly and added to soups, omelettes and stir fries - or used fresh in salads.
- The long taproots can be dug up, ground, roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Parts Used:- The whole plant.
- The root is harvested in autumn and dried for later use.
Medicinal Uses. It is said that:- Meadow Salsify is a good remedy for the liver and gall bladder – it has a detoxifying effect and may stimulate the appetite and digestion.
- It has a high inulin content that makes it a useful food for diabetics since inulin is a nutrient made of fructose rather than glucose and therefore it does not raise blood sugar levels.
- The root has the ability to contracts tissue, purifies and cleanses the blood, induces urination, induces the removal (coughing up) of mucous secretions from the lungs, increases weight and gives strength and tone to the stomach.
- A syrup made from the root gives great relief in cases of obstinate coughs and bronchitis.
- A decoction of the root has been given in the treatment of heartburn, loss of appetite and disorders of the liver.
- The fresh juice of young plants is said to be a good dissolver of bile, relieving the stomach without side effects.
Other Uses:- Floral arrangements
- When the flowers go to seed they look like 'blow balls' and can be placed in floral arrangements.
- To keep the seeds from dispersing, hair spray is applied to the seed heads.
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Attention |
The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.
Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff |
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