Salsify is also called goat's beard. The leaves are grass-like and the flower head is similar to dandelion but much larger. The seed head also resembles dandelion but again is much larger and on the gray side. A purple flowered species, Tragopogon porrifolius, is called oyster plant because the boiled roots are said to taste like oysters. The purple one is rare in New Jersey but the yellow one has become quite prevalent in recent years. A problem mostly in nurseries.
Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension
Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension