Best time to see: mid May to mid Aug

Key facts

An erect grassland plant, up to 80 cm tall, with grass-like leaves and a yellow flower followed by a pappus, like a dandelion

Flowers only open fully on sunny mornings, hence its folk-name, jack-go-to-bed-at-noon

Its close relative salsify, originating from the mediterranean, has bigger, mauve flowers and is cultivated as a vegetable