Tragopogon consists of either annuals or herbaceous perennials featuring narrow, grass-like foliage and prominent flower heads resembling dandelions, which bloom in yellow or purple during the summer months.

Tragopogon

Tragopogon angustifolius

Tragopogon collinus

Tragopogon crocifolius

Tragopogon crocifolius subsp. samaritanii

Tragopogon dubius

Tragopogon dubius subsp. major

Tragopogon hispanica

Tragopogon porrifolius is a biennial herb that can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters. It features an upright stem and a long taproot measuring between 15 to 30 centimeters. The stem and foliage exhibit a pale green hue, with the leaves being narrow and grass-like in shape. In its first year, the young root is collected for culinary use as a vegetable. Should the plant be allowed to flower, it will generate spherical flowers in shades of purple-pink, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters across, which bear a resemblance to dandelions.

Tragopogon porrifolius

Tragopogon porrifolius 'Sandwich Island Mammoth' is a biennial plant that blooms in its second year, producing ornamental flowers with mauve petals encircled by elongated green sepals. The foliage consists of long, narrow, blue-green leaves. This variety features a sizable, fleshy taproot that is edible; it is most flavorful when harvested during its first winter prior to flowering. It is noted for its superior taste and can be utilized until March.

Tragopogon porrifolius 'Sandwich Island Mammoth'

This is a clump-forming plant, either an annual or a short-lived perennial, reaching heights of up to 60 cm. It features long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves and in early to midsummer, it produces yellow flowerheads resembling those of dandelions. These flowerheads typically close by midday and are succeeded by large, fluffy seedheads.