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West Somerset, England Eng

A friend found three of these plants in his garden - we have no idea what they are, and hope someone on GoY might know. I suspect the birds dropped seeds! The plants are about 2'6" tall.

Thanks for your help.



John_s_flower_1 John_s_flower_2 John_s_flower_3

Answers

 

Purple salsify?

20 May, 2012

 

I don't know, but the single variety grows wild and profusely round here, and I'd like to know, too.

20 May, 2012

 

Agree with Ojibway... this is the second question recently of the plant. Flowers and roots are edible.

20 May, 2012

 

I think it is correct to say it is Salsify (Tragopogon, aka; salsify or goatsbeard).

20 May, 2012

 

It sure am!

20 May, 2012

 

Sprtiz, when the flowers finish they will form big 'clocks', like dandelions have, but twice the size and a brownish colour. They are biennials and will self seed or seed can be saved and grown in the same way as foxgloves.

20 May, 2012

 

Thank you all - I've emailed my friend. I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear what his plants are. If I'm lucky, I might get some seeds! :-))

20 May, 2012

 

I've had this for a few years now. From experience, I'd caution you to deadhead all but one or two plants - you'll still get more than enough seedlings for the next year

20 May, 2012

 

I'll warn my friend. If he lets one seed itself, he might give me some seeds - I hope! ;-)

21 May, 2012

 

Personally I would not let it seed at all... pretty weed or nice veggie!

21 May, 2012

 

Ah, but I'd really like to grow some, MG! :-)

22 May, 2012

 

Just remember it is very invasive Spritz. think of a hawkweed...

23 May, 2012

 

Is it? I'll tell my friend. Thanks for that, MG.

23 May, 2012

 

No problem Spritz. Perhaps a paper bag over the flower head you are going to allow to seed?

23 May, 2012

 

It's not my garden, but I'll ask them if it's possible. :-))

23 May, 2012

 

Good luck!

23 May, 2012

 

Thanks - I might walk round there tomorrow with a paper bag in my hand. That first flower might need it by now! ;-)

23 May, 2012

How do I say thanks?

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