Tragopogon pratensis aka Oyster Plant or Goatsbeard is a fairly common wildflower in Illinois, found in fields and pastures, along roads and railroads, and in disturbed soil. It is a native of Europe, translocated to North America. It is a biennial plant with milky sap, growing to 2.5 feet. The smooth stem thickens just under the flower head. The leaves are alternate, and the leaf base clasps the stem. The flower head is yellow and about 3 inches wide with notable pointed green bracts that sometimes extend beyond the yellow ray flowers. The flowering period begins in May and goes to the end of September. The flowers close by noon on sunny days. The fruit looks like a giant dandelion and, similarly, is dispersed by wind.
The common name Oyster Plant arises from the taste of the edible roots harvested in the fall or winter and then boiled or roasted before consumption; the taste varies from parsnip-like to oyster-like. Young, tender leaves at stem's base can also be eaten, raw in salads or cooked as greens.
Tragopogon, the genus name, means goat's beard in Greek and is the source for the other common name.

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