Belongs to: daisy family
Goatsbeard Tragopogon pratensis
Also known as: meadow salsify, jack-go-to-bed-at-noon
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
© Tony Gunton