Western Salsify

 

Scientific Name: Tragopogon spp.

Description. This nonnative plant is not on noxious weed lists, but it spreads quickly and has recently been invading native wildflower meadows. We at RMBL remove it because it has become extremely dense, bordering on a monoculture, in some meadows.  Salsify looks like a dandelion on steroids. The flower itself looks like a yellow daisy. The seed heads look like a big puffball, up to several inches in diameter. The numerous seeds float away in the wind, just like dandelion seeds. Plants can grow to be up to several feet tall.

Management.
This plant is easy to control by hand-pulling.