Yellow salsify

Short Description

Yellow salsify can grow to a height of 60 cm.

The leaves grow alternately on the stem. They are narrow lance-shaped with elongated tips.

The stem bearing the flower head is hollow and thickened to a club-shape at its upper end.

At first glance, the flower head can be mistaken for the flower itself. This pseudanthium (“false flower”) is made up from numerous individual yellow ray florets. The flower heads are enclosed by notably larger green bracts.

The seeds are small beaked nut fruits with a ring of feathery hairs.

In the city

Yellow salsify is comparatively rare in an urban environment. It can generally be found along paths, embankments, on railway land and dry lawns. It prefers sunny and warm locations with calcareous soils. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental plant.

The parachutes of the fruits are a popular toy, because they are particularly large and can fly long distances.