Tragopogon dubius

(Salsify)

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Tragopogon dubius, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 5443

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Tragopogon dubius, Hwy 65, Grand Mesa, Delta Co. 2722

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Tragopogon dubius, Farmers Korner, Summit Co. 8831

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Tragopogon dubius, White River Plateau, Garfield Co. 6005

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Tragopogon dubius, Hwy 65, Grand Mesa, Delta Co. 2727

Scientific Name Tragopogon dubius USDA PLANTS Symbol TRDU
Common Name Salsify, Goatsbeard ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 38564
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains and montane (3500 to 10500 ft.); openings, disturbed areas, woodlands.
Plant: Erect leafy annual or biennial 15 to 30 inches tall; stem triangular in cross-section and swollen beneath the flowerheads; milky sap.
Leaves: Alternate, grass-like, linear stem leaves.
Inflorescence: Single flower heads with 8 to 13 long, narrow green phyllaries; shorter yellow rays with a few fine teeth at the tips and several rings of even shorter rays at the center; cluster of yellow stamens with filaments that are dark brown at the base.
Bloom Period: May to September.
Fruit: Spherical seed ball, similar to the common dandelion but much larger.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Introduced

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains