Tragopogon porrifolius
Asteraceae
Purple Salsify
Erect biennial. Stems branched, wider near flower buds, producing sticky white sap. Leaves 8–15 in. long, narrow, waxy blue at maturity, clasping stem. Flowers held in long triangle of 1–2 in. green bracts; when open, bracts are longer than the purple ray flowers. This European native has spread throughout Pacific states in moist habitats. Not as common as yellow salsify, T. dubius, and grows in damper places.
- Rarity: Locally Common
- Flowering Time: Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
- Flower Form: Chicory Tribe,(Milky sap) Danelion like
- Life Cycle: Biennial
- Height: 16–40 inches
- Habitat: Bog/Fen/Wetland, Coastal, Meadow, Vernal Wet
- Found In: Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP
- Native: No
- Also Known As: Oyster Plant
