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Description
Tragopogon Pratensis, commonly known as the meadow salsify or goatsbeard, is a wildflower that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a biennial plant that grows up to 1 meter tall and 10-60 cm wide. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced in North America and other parts of the world. The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom from May to September. The flowerheads are about 5 cm wide and consist of 40-100 ray flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tragopogon |
Appearance
The Tragopogon Pratensis has a long and slender stem that is covered with fine hairs. The leaves are narrow and lanceolate, with a length of 10-25 cm and a width of 1-2 cm. The flowers are yellow, about 5 cm wide, and consist of 40-100 ray flowers. The plant produces a large, globe-shaped seed head that can reach up to 7 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Water: The Tragopogon Pratensis prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during dry spells.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can add compost or a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline. The soil should be rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tragopogon Pratensis is relatively pest-free, but it can be affected by aphids, slugs, and snails. The plant is also susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew.
Habitat
The Tragopogon Pratensis is commonly found in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Tragopogon Pratensis a native plant in North America?
A: No, the plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced in North America and other parts of the world.Q: How tall can the Tragopogon Pratensis grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall.Q: What is the blooming season of the Tragopogon Pratensis?
A: The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom from May to September.Q: Is the Tragopogon Pratensis a hardy plant?
A: Yes, the plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Tragopogon Dubius
- Tragopogon Orientalis
- Tragopogon Porrifolius
- Tragopogon Gracilis
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/tragopogon_pratensis.shtml
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TRPR
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tragopogon-pratensis-meadow-salsify
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/tragopogon
